The regularities of the formation of carbon nanostructures from hydrocarbons based on the composition of the reaction mixture

Abstract

This paper presents the results of research on the regularities of the formation of carbon nanofibrous materials, as well as the influence of the composition of the model mixture of hydrocarbons S1-S4 on the morphological features and textural characteristics of the resulting carbon nanofibres (CNF). One of the most urgent issues faced by the oil and gas industry is how to increase the processing depth of associated petroleum gas (APG). In the Russian Federation alone, the annual economic losses from unutilised APG during processing are estimated at 2 billion dollars. It is known that the composition of APG can vary greatly, depending on the oil and gas field. In particular, the methane concentration, the main component of natural gas and associated gas, varies from 25 to 95 vol.%. In this study, we sought to identify the main factors that determine the morphology and structure of CNF, and to develop approaches in processing actual hydrocarbon mixtures to produce a carbon product with the desired or predictable characteristics. Such an approach can serve as a basis for resource-saving catalytic technology utilizing C1-C4 hydrocarbons that are currently disposed of as post-combustion flare gas.