Comparative Structural Characterization of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized by Electro-Thermal Explosion and Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis

The structural quality of carbon nanotubes remains a key factor governing their performance in biomedical, magnetic, and advanced functional material applications. This study presents a structural characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) synthesized using Electro-Thermal Explosion (ETE) and Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis (SHS) routes. The experimental dataset originates from a research program conducted during the 2010–2011 academic year on the synthesis and encapsulation of carbon nanotubes by magnetic metals for biomedical applications. Structural investigations were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). XRD analysis confirmed graphitic carbon formation through the characteristic (002) and (101) reflections. TEM observations revealed well-developed multi-walled nanotubes with internal diameters ranging from 2–10 nm and external diameters between 10–50 nm. SEM and EDX analyses confirmed the formation of fibrous nanotube aggregates with carbon contents approaching 95 at.%. The results demonstrate the successful synthesis of graphitic MWCNTs suitable for subsequent magnetic functionalization and biomedical applications.