A novel route for controlling and improving the texture of porous structures through dual growth of alumina nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes using explosion process of solid fuel

Abstract

Micro- and meso-porous structures of alumina have attracted attention for their potential use in different applications. In this research, a novel and facile route was introduced for dual growth of alumina nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes together to fabricate nanocomposites at low temperature 250 °C through explosive processes of solid fuel. In this trend, series of alumina species with and without carbon nanotubes were prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra and transmission electron microscopy.

The surface properties of the alumina-CNT nanocomposites were characterized and compared with the prepared nanoparticles of alumina by adsorption–desorption system. The specific surface area of the prepared alumina-CNT nanocomposites was increased from 257.9 to 307.7 m²/g and 314.8 m²/g with growing CNTs inside the porous structure of alumina. These increments were observed because of the dual growth of nanoparticles and nanotubes by which new micropores inside their nanocomposites were created. When the source of CNTs was changed from ethanol to methanol, pure mesoporous structure with narrow pore size distribution was observed for the alumina-CNT nanocomposite. In addition, the surface area and the total pore volume increased to be 324.9 m²/g and 0.673 cm³/g; respectively.

The detonation technique of an explosive solid has been used for the first time to improve and control the porous structure of alumina through dual growth of CNTs and alumina at low temperature to meet the special requirements of the markets of catalysis and water purification.