Research Progress on Growth Mechanisms of Helical Carbon Nanofibers

Xialong Cai; Rongling Zhang; Wei Feng; Hanjun Wei; Ying Li; Mazin S. Ibrahim; Shrouq Z. Almaaitah

doi:10.51173/jt.v7i3.2725

Authors

Xialong Cai School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu 610106, China
Rongling Zhang School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu 610106, China
Wei Feng School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu 610106, China
Hanjun Wei Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu 610106, China
Ying Li School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu 610106, China
Mazin S. Ibrahim Green Electronics Oxide nanomaterials Group (GEM), School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Shrouq Z. Almaaitah School Of Civil Engineering-Structural Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51173/jt.v7i3.2725

Keywords:

Helical Carbon Nanofibers (HCNFs), Fabrication Methods, Growth Mechanisms

Abstract

Helical carbon nanofibers (HCNFs), a novel class of nanocarbon materials with a unique three-dimensional helical morphology, inherit many of the intrinsic properties of conventional carbon nanofibers while exhibiting additional characteristics such as superelasticity, unique electromagnetic response behavior, and a highly textured surface topology. These properties make HCNFs highly valuable for applications in electromagnetic shielding, nanosprings, and sensing technologies. Among the various fabrication techniques, chemical vapor deposition remains the most widely used and effective method for producing HCNFs, with structural regulation achieved by controlling parameters such as catalyst type and reaction temperature. Alternative methods such as flame synthesis, electrospinning, and templating have also demonstrated potential in growing HCNFs. Regarding growth mechanisms, the asymmetric carbon deposition and diffusion on catalyst surfaces are considered the primary drivers of the periodic curling behavior observed in HCNFs. Several models, including the three-dimensional growth mechanism, the vapor-liquid-solid-solid mechanism, and the coordination polymerization mechanism, have been proposed to elucidate the formation of helical structures. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in HCNF growth mechanisms, emphasizing the roles of precursor materials, catalyst properties, and reaction conditions in achieving precise and controllable synthesis.

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Author Biographies

Xialong Cai, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu 610106, China

Pursuing a postgraduate degree at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University

Rongling Zhang, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu 610106, China

Pursuing a postgraduate degree at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University

Wei Feng, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu 610106, China

Pursuing a postgraduate degree at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University

Hanjun Wei, Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu 610106, China

Currently a Specially Appointed Associate Research Fellow at the Advanced Research Institute, Chengdu University

Ying Li, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu 610106, China

Mazin S. Ibrahim, Green Electronics Oxide nanomaterials Group (GEM), School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Shrouq Z. Almaaitah, School Of Civil Engineering-Structural Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

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