Abstract: Carbon fibers with multi-branched structures were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition method using cupric chloride as catalyst precursor and acetylene as carbon source at different reaction temperatures. Effects of water vapor and reaction temperature on the growth mode of carbon fibers were investigated. Experimental results demonstrate that initial reaction conditions and temperature are key factors for the formation of different carbon materials. Carbon fibers with typical multi-branched structures can be obtained at 450 °C when cupric chloride solution was used as catalyst precursor. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy are used to characterize carbon materials, and the growth mechanisms of multi-branched carbon fibers were discussed.

Key words: Amorphous materials, Carbon materials, Electron microscopy, Microstructure