Manipulation of Electrolyte Concentration and Cathode Morphology to Control the size of the Carbon Nanoparticles

The research aims to study the effects of concentration of the electrolyte and morphology of the cathode rod on the synthesis and size control of the carbon nanoparticles. The research was conducted using the submerged glow discharge plasma (SGDP) method. Potassium carbonate a strong electrolyte was used to maintain the accuracy of the results. The glow discharge voltage and any instabilities were recorded and monitored to obtain trends during the synthesis of carbon nanoparticles. Moreover, the shapes and sizes of the carbon nanoparticles formed were also observed and analyzed. The SGDP method is both eco-friendly and cheap to conduct. Carbon nanoparticles range from 1 - 100 nm. The small size of these nanoparticles gives it a high surface area to its volume ratio over sheet and bulk metals. The nanoparticles have different mechanical properties with respect to their sizes. The ability to control the sizes of the nanoparticles will enable manufacturers to obtain the mechanical properties they desire. The research conducted was able to determine the factors which enables the control of the sizes of carbon nanoparticles formed. At higher electrolyte concentration and higher cathode thickness, the size of the carbon nanoparticles decreased.