Formation of carbon nanofibers with Ni catalyst supported on a micro-mesoporous glass

The Ni/SiO2 system is one of the most interesting to produce COx-free H2 and valuable carbon nanofibers (CNFs) by catalytic decomposition CH4. SiO2 effective support while Ni catalyst displays long life high activity. We studied chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) process CH4 within Ni/glass at relatively low temperature (600 °C) during times (3 h), varying amount (2.3–17.8% Ni(%)) source (100:200 100:0, CH4:N2). As increases, formation CNFs enhanced giving as a result CNFs/glass materials with more amount, longer thicker CNFs. initial microstructure glass way deposited play decisive role. Pristine porous microstructe interconnected mesopores which are progressively filled Ni, producing ink-bottle pores open ends. After CCVD or porosity Ni-doped reduced due filling (4 nm) Furthermore, large entanglements new appear (20–70 depending on processing conditions. Fish-bone hollow core bamboo-like found over surface also inside support. It observed base-growth mechanism strong interaction between support, prevents deactivation enhancing its activity for times.