Synthesis of Ni/Mg/Al layered double hydroxides and their use as catalyst precursors in the preparation of carbon nanotubes

Ni/Mg/Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with different n(Ni):n(Mg):n(Al) ratio values were prepared via a coprecipitation reaction. Then Ni/Mg/Al mixed oxides were obtained by calcination of these LDHs precursors. Carbon nanotubes were produced in the catalytic decomposition of propane over the Ni/Mg/Al mixed oxide catalysts. The quality of as-made nanotubes was investigated by SEM and TEM. The nanotubes were multiwall with a high length-diameter ratio and appeared to be flexible. The catalytic activities of these mixed oxides increased with increasing the Ni content. The Ni/Mg/Al mixed oxide with the highest Ni content [n(Ni)/n(Mg)/n(Al)=1/1/1] showed the highest activity and the carbon nanotubes grown on its surface had the best quality.