Effect of ultrafine carbon precursors on the morphology of silicon carbide nanoparticles

A comparative analysis of carbon precursors used for the synthesis of silicon carbide nanoparticles has been carried out. Phenol-formaldehyde resin, colloidal graphite, poly(vinyl alcohol), carbon black obtained as a byproduct of fullerene synthesis, and multiwall carbon nanotubes have been used as carbon sources in the synthesis of the starting ultrafine composition n C + m SiO 2 . After carbothermic synthesis, the morphology of silicon carbide nanoparticles was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The morphologic features and particle-size distribution of the materials were comparatively studied.