In situ growth of N-doped carbon nanotubes from the products of graphitic carbon nitride etching by nickel nanoparticles.

The in situ growth of N-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (N-MWCNTs) from the products of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) etching by Ni nanoparticles in a hydrogen atmosphere has been confirmed for the first time. During the etching process of g-C3N4, the building blocks, notably methane, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide, are formed. The formation of N-MWCNTs was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A sponge-like carbonaceous structure was obtained with a specific surface area of 384 m2 g-1 from initial g-C3N4 (32 m2 g-1).