Ultralight FeSiAl micro-flake flying with propylene to favor fast growth of carbon nanotube arrays at 99 % high-efficient conversion

The efficiency of catalyst-gas contact and the selectivity of catalyzing carbon source cracking determine the yield of highly oriented carbon nanotube arrays (CNTAs). Herein, the flying FeSiAl (FSA) micro sheets were in full contact with propylene (C3H6), effectively catalyzing propylene gas cracking with an astonishing 99% carbon conversion rate. The propylene with more carbon atoms and high safety grew carbon nanotube arrays faster. The growth kinetics of the CNTAs were studied, and the apparent activation energy of the CNTAs was 49.04 kJ/mol. This indicated that there were two diffusion modes: the surface diffusion of the catalyst and the step-edge diffusion of the graphene-catalyst interface. The well-dispersed linear CNTAs (1D) and a point-like carbon black (0D) conductive agent form a 1D/0D conductive network, which was used as a conductive additive for lithium/fluorocarbon (CFx) primary cells. Effective electron conduction improved the rate performance of the battery, which was increased from 1229.22 Wh/kg at 2 C to 1358.35 Wh/kg at 4 C. The high catalytic efficiency of propylene molecules with high carbon content and FeSiAl (FSA) alloy provides a new method for large-scale and efficient production of CNTAs. High-orientation CNTAs have potential application prospects in the field of energy storage.