Abstract: Carbon nanotubes were prepared from catalytic decomposition of methane on an aerogel catalyst. The structure of carbon nanotubes was characterized by XRD,TGA,SEM,TEM and Raman spectroscopic methods. The carbon nanotubes grown on the aerogel catalysts are hollow with smooth wall and even diameters. The average diameter of the tubes is in the range of 10～20 nm. The nanotubes obtained in this work have a large surface area and a good oxygen resistance. From the Raman spectra of carbon nanotubes grown on the aerogel catalysts, it was observed that the nanotubes prepared with this method contained defects in the graphene layers and contained amorphous carbon. Carbon species become more graphitic when reaction temperature increases or concentration of methane decreases.

Key words: Supercritical drying, Aerogel catalyst, Decomposition of methane, Carbon nanotubes, Raman spectroscopy