Large scale synthesis of carbon nanopearl chains by chemical vapor deposition

We report the synthesis of a novel type of carbon-based nanostructure, which is composed of a string of carbon nanopearl chains (CNPCs) with a connection structure of carbon nanofibers using a chemical vapor deposition method. Regularly spaced, nanometer-sized balls of graphitic carbon are found on the amorphous nanofibers. The nanopearls have nanometer-sized spheres, bodies in diameter varying from tens of nanometers to hundreds of nanometers, with solid interiors. The chain connections have a length ranging from several nanometers up to micrometers between two nanopearls. The nanopearls connect each other by the nanofibers, thus forming a chain. The CNPCs have potential for use as reinforcing matrix to produce strong and tough carbon-based nanocomposites.