Synthesis of vertically aligned and tree-like carbon nanostructures

A thin film of a new type of carbon nanostructures is synthesised, by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. Individual nanostructure has a multi-walled carbon nanotube aligned perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, with carbon films attached to the nanotube like branches, giving it a tree like appearance. Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the material is overall graphitic in nature. Different deposition parameters are varied to understand the growth mechanism of the nanostructures and the factors affecting its morphology. It is understood that in a condition where a higher content of carbon is present in the plasma than for the condition in which aligned carbon nanotubes are formed, the formation of the branches on the carbon nanotubes takes place, resulting in the tree like nanostructures. The material can be deposited in different substrates irrespective of the roughness, the conductivity or the nature of the substrate and exhibits superhydrophobicity. This novel carbon nanostructured thin film with a very high exposed surface area has a potential of application in all fields which require high surface area, structured or superhydrophobic material. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved