Synthesis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube−Nanoparticle Hybrid Structures

Abstract

In this chapter, we explore chemical strategies for the functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) surfaces with metal nanoparticles reported in the past decade. The preparation of SWNT-metal nanoparticle hybrid materials is an important research area as the new hybrid materials generated possess unique properties and are useful for various nanotechnological applications. These hybrids can be stabilized by covalent and/or noncovalent interactions. Although covalent interactions between the sidewalls, ends and defect sites of SWNTs and nanoparticles are reviewed, the main focus of this chapter is to provide a summary of recently synthesized SWNT-nanoparticle hybrids via noncovalent interactions.