Synthesis and characterization of carbon nanoparticles by paraffin combustion

Abstract

In this study, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were synthesized by flame combustion of paraffin. The paraffin wax was shaped into candle and employed as carbon source. Various factors affecting CNPs synthesis were studied. All of these optimal factors can produce the highest yield of CNPs as follows: the ratio between diameter of candle wick and candle body was 0.5:2; the length of candle wick above the top surface of the candle body was 1.0 cm; the position of candle flame disturbance was carried out between the fourth and the fifth zones; the candle flame disturbance grid interval was 0.1 cm; the wire for the grid weaving was nichrome wire and the grid shape was square. The obtained spherical CNPs had particle size of 20-100 nm as observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The surface area of CNPs determined by BET technique was 95.05 m2/g. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy suggested that the synthesized CNPs are the combination of graphite, disorder graphite and amorphous structure. The infrared spectra of the CNPs suggested that there was no observable C-H stretching vibration in the synthesized particles. This indicated that the synthesized CNPs consist of pure carbon. Additionally, CNPs can be applied as the volatile organic compound adsorber.