Attachment of transition metal nanoparticles on nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (MWNTs-CNx) and their further reactions.

Abstract

"The MWNTs-CNx exhibit important electronic and mechanical properties, that together with its small diameter, make them attractive for sensors production, substances specific filters and as field electrodes. Due to their structure, the MWNTs-CNx could also play an important role as substrates for the deposition of transition metal nanoparticles that allow to develop new catalysts. Thereby, the possibility of depositing some of this metals on MWNTs-CNx by a simple method, that does not involve oxidizing treatments in the nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes, would enable to take advantages of their other properties. The results obtained from the use of the MWNTs-CNx as substrates for the transition metal nanoparticles deposits are presented in this work. At first stage, it was achieved an iron (Fe) deposit on the MWNTs-CNx, that by subsequent treatments produced a new type of hybrid structure composed by N-doped and undoped carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, are discussed the platinum (Pt) nanoparticles deposits that were also obtained in surface of MWNTs-CNx. Later, the morphological changes observed in the MWNTs-CNx by their electrochemical treatment or by the adding of titanium (Ti) during their synthesis by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are explained. Finally, the feasibility of achieving silicon (Si) nanoparticles deposits on the surface of MWNTs-CNx by potentiometric techniques is also depicted."