Catalytic Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes from Waste Polyethylene Materials With in-Situ Nanocatalyst Derived from Fe/ni Precursors

The exponential rise in plasticapplication especially polyethylene (PE), poses significant environmental challenges due to its non-biodegradable nature. This research explores the catalytic synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from waste polyethylene using an in-situ nanocatalyst derived from Fe/Ni precursors. The process utilizes waste PE as a carbon source and Fe/Ni catalysts for the effective growth of CNTs, providing a dual solution to plastic waste management and the production of high-value nanomaterials. Characterization techniques Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the structural integrity and quality of the synthesized CNTs, demonstrating the effectiveness of varying Fe/Ni ratios on the morphology and crystalline structure. The study highlights the significant role of balanced Fe/Ni ratios in optimizing CNT growth, with the 20/50 Fe/Ni ratio yielding the most desirable results. This research presents a sustainable approach to plastic waste recycling and the scalable production of CNTs for various industrial applications.The results demonstrate the influence of varying Fe/Ni catalyst ratios on the morphology and structural properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The SEM analysis indicates that a balanced Fe/Ni ratio (20/50) produces CNTs with uniform distribution and fewer defects. Excess Fe (50/20) increases CNT growth but leads to clustering, while the absence of Ni (15/0) results in sparse and disordered CNT structures. XRD analysis shows that specific crystalline phases correlate with different catalyst compositions, affecting the quality of CNTs. Water absorption tests reveal that a balanced ratio results in the lowest hydrophilicity, highlighting its suitability for applications requiring hydrophobic characteristics.