Formation of carbon material on iron catalyst during reaction with the vapour produced from the pyrolysis of sewage sludge

The study describes on catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CCVD) method for production carbon nanotube onto Fe-alumina supported catalyst. Sewage sludge was used as a carbon source throughout the pyrolysis process. The objective of this study are to investigate the formation of carbon nanotube using iron metal catalyst in CCVD method. Besides that, to identified the characterization of carbon material on catalyst sample between reduction and without reduction steps. The catalyst and their support is prepared by using impregnation method technique between the Ferum (III) Nitrate and Alumina Oxide. The pyrolysis was conducted at the temperature of 600⁰C, CCVD at 800⁰C for experiment 1 and 800⁰C for experiment 2. The experiment was carry out for 30 minute and sample was observed and analyser. Characterization of iron-alumina catalyst was done by series of analysis before and after the process. Mass of catalyst sample, Thermo-gravimetric analyser (TGA), and The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used as analyser the formation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The TGA showed that the formation of amorphous carbon occurs at the initially stage and before 300⁰C. The higher yield of CNTs was produce in experiment 2 with spongy physical appearance carbon material, while fine black powder in experiment 1 indicate low yield of carbon material. The FTIR analysis shows the hydroxyl group are present at early stage followed by C-C stretch bend and stretching mode. Overall the uses of reduction step by allowing the hydrogen gas during reaction occurs increasing the probability of carbon material production. However, some recommendation need to be considered for the future research.