Synthesis of carbon microfibers by chemical vapor deposition during the catalytic decomposition of turpentine oil

Carbon microfibers were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition during the decomposition of turpentine oil in the presence of nickel sulfate as a catalyst precursor on a graphite host. The fibers were separated from graphite and metal impurities by acid treatment, followed by several washes with deionized water. These fibers have a diameter of approximately 3-5 μm and they were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy. A sponge-like morphology of the microfibers due to self-assembly was observed.