DP Chemistry Questionbank

Nanocatalysts play an essential role in the manufacture of industrial chemicals.

(i) Describe the high pressure carbon monoxide (HIPCO) method for the production of carbon nanotubes.

(ii) Outline one benefit of using nanocatalysts compared to traditional catalysts in industry.

State the major advantage that nanoparticles have in these applications.

Suggest why nanoparticles need to be handled with care.

State equations for the formation of iron nanoparticles and carbon atoms from Fe(CO)₅ in the HIPCO process.

State one physical property of HDPE that will be affected by the incorporation of carbon nanotubes.

Describe how carbon nanotubes are produced by chemical vapour deposition (CVD).

State the source of carbon for MWCNT produced by arc discharge and by CVD.

Arc discharge, consisting of two inert metal electrodes in a liquid solvent, is one method of producing carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

Predict, giving a reason, the electrode at which the solvent cyclohexane, C₆H₁₂, will decompose to form CNTs.

Suggest one application for carbon nanotubes.

Describe the structure and bonding of a carbon nanotube.

Structure:

Bonding:

Carbon nanotubes are added to metals to increase tensile strength.

Write an equation for the formation of carbon nanotubes from carbon monoxide.

Suggest one application for carbon nanotubes.

Describe the structure and bonding of a carbon nanotube.

Structure:

Bonding:

Carbon nanotubes are added to metals to increase tensile strength.

Write an equation for the formation of carbon nanotubes from carbon monoxide.

Nanotubes are used to support the active material in nanocatalysts.

Explain why oxygen cannot be used for the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) preparation of carbon nanotubes.