A Computational Model for Predicting the Temperature Distribution Inside a CVD Reactor for Carbon Nanotube Synthesis

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) is the cheapest method among various synthesis techniques of Carbon Nanotube (CNT). However, an optimal design of CVD systems encounters a lot of challenges due to the complexity of the reaction process and the energy interactions involved. Optimal designs can be evolved only on the basis of a good theoretical analysis of the CVD system, solving the governing equations of the physical phenomena, to predict the conditions inside the furnace. The work reported here investigates the reacting flow dynamics and temperature distributions inside the CVD reactor during the formation of carbon nanotubes. The theoretical approach solves the momentum and energy equations, in conjunction with the reaction kinetics involved. The mathematical model is numerically solved using a two dimensional CFD formulation, utilizing the COMSOL Software. The flow velocities, temperature distribution and local heat transfer inside the reactor are obtained from the analysis. It is concluded from the investigation that a considerable variation exists between the local temperature inside the reactor, at regions near the catalyst container, and the furnace wall temperature. The results obtained can provide important input information for a complete simulation of the CNT synthesis process, for the optimal design of the CVD system.