The surface characteristics of carbon nanoparticles produced via submerged arc discharge in ethanol/water

Abstract

Various techniques can produce carbon nanoparticles (CNPs). Considering the simplicity of the production method—as well as desires for fewer impurities, lower capital costs, and higher yields—this study developed a submerged arc discharge method to synthesize CNPs in a liquid medium of ethanol and water. The synthesis process was carried out by passing a 30A (~30V) electrical current from the cathode to the anode, which had been set with a narrow gap between them and placed in the liquid medium. After arc discharge, the liquid medium, which was initially a clear solution, became black, indicating the formation of CNPs. The CNPs collected after the arc discharge were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The FTIR spectrum of the resultant CNPs showed a pattern with more peaks—e.g., at the 3400 cm"1 and 1500-1600 cm"1 wavenumbers—corresponding to the hydroxy groups and to carbon-carbon (C-C) stretching from the aromatic ring, respectively.