Synthesis of carbon spheres by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition from a serial of aromatic hydrocarbon precursors

Abstract Uniform shaped carbon spheres, a material with several potential applications, were synthesized from a serial of aromatic hydrocarbon pyrolysis precursors (benzene, naphthalene, anthracene and pyrene), by chemical vapor deposition at atmospheric pressure, and at moderately low temperatures with stainless steel catalyst. A high carbon sphere yield, without secondary products, was achieved at temperatures above 850 °C. Sphere diameters decrease, in some cases, according to the temperature increments. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images show a completely solid core. Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectra suggest a larger amount of CH x bonds on the sphere surface with major curvature. Spheres are formed by small crystalline graphene flakes, observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy and confirmed by the G band intensity in Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction signals.