Preparation of Nanocomposites of Metals, Metal Oxides, and Carbon Nanotubes via Self-Assembly

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-based composites have attracted significant research interest in recent years, owing to their important applications in various technological fields. In this investigation, we describe a general approach to make CNTs-based nanocomposites via self-assembly. The method allows one to prepare binary composites as well as complex systems such as ternary or even quaternary composites where nanoparticles of active phases (e.g., metals and metal oxides) are used as primary building blocks. Six different kinds of binary, ternary, and quaternary nanocomposites, TiO2/CNTs, Co3O4/CNTs, Au/CNTs, Au/TiO2/CNTs, TiO2/Co3O4/CNTs, and Co/CoO/Co3O4/CNTs, have been reported herein in order to draw common features for various assembly schemes. To understand the interconnectivity between the active phases and CNTs, we have devised a range of experiments and examined the resultant samples with many instrumental techniques. On the basis of this work, we demonstrate that highly complex inorganic-organic nanohybrids with good controls in particle shape, size, and distribution can be fabricated from presynthesized nanobuilding units. Concerning their workability, we further show that self-assembled TiO2/CNTs are sufficiently robust and the electrochemical performance of TiO2 is significantly enhanced when it is used as a cathode material in Li-battery application.

Gold(I)–Alkanethiolate Nanotubes

“…[1][2][3] For instance, the synthesis and fabrication of inorganic nanotubes of, for example, MoS 2 , WS 2 , MoO 3 , V 2 O 5 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , Co 3 O 4 , ZnO, and GaN have advanced rapidly. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Furthermore, it has been found that self-assembled peptides can also build into tubular structures by means of hydrogen bonding, and give rise to a new class of supramolecular nanotubes. [12][13][14][15] Herein we report another type of supramolecular architecture, where Au(I) cations and alkanethiolate ligands are coordinated into thin platelet forms that then evolve into an open tubular configuration.…”

Core/Shell Structure of TiO2-Coated MWCNTs for Thermal Protection for High-Temperature Processing of Metal Matrix Composites

“…e small positive displacement observed in this work suggests that an electronic interaction between TiO 2 and the MWCNT substrate was established [37], resulting from a close interaction between the nanotubes and the oxide coating. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering MWCNT sample.…”

“…e other two peaks with binding energies of 531.7 and 532.9 eV are assigned to the O-H and C O groups, respectively. Similarly to the Ti 2p spectrum, the main peak in O 1s is slightly displaced (0.9 eV), as a result of the interaction and consequent surface charge transfer between TiO 2 and MWCNTs [37]. e C 1s spectrum was adjusted to four peaks, representing the C C binding energy of MWCNTs of 284.7 eV, as well as C-O, C O, and COOenergies of 286.1, 287.9, and 290.1 eV, respectively.…”

Atomically dispersed vanadium oxides on multiwalled carbon nanotubes via atomic layer deposition: A multiparameter optimization

“…[1][2][3][4][5] The alternating pulses of metal precursor and oxygen source, as well as the self-limiting character of the reaction, enable uniform coating of surfaces with extremely high aspect ratios. Increasing the number of deposition cycles, the conformity of the metal film increases.…”