Preparing SnO₂/MWCNT Nanocomposite Catalysts via High Energy Ball Milling

Abstract

Ball milling method was used to fabricate successfully tin dioxide (SnO 2 /multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite materials using SnCl 2 × 2H 2 O as precursor together with soda and salt as admixture. The as-prepared materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Observations revealed that applying both soda and salt are advantageous for increasing dispersity of tin dioxide nanoparticles on the surface of carbon nanotubes. These multi-walled carbon nanotube-based composites are promising candidates as thick film gas sensors or catalysts. Results indicate that SnO 2 /MWCNT composites can be achieved under solvent free dry conditions, too.