3D nanotube-based composites produced by laser irradiation

Abstract

3D nanocomposites have been fabricated through self-assembly under near-IR cw laser irradiation, using four types of multiwalled and single-walled carbon nanotubes produced by chemical vapour deposition, disproportionation on Fe clusters and cathode sputtering in an inert gas. The composites were prepared by laser irradiation of aqueous solutions of bovine serum albumin until the solvent was evaporated off and a homogeneous black material was obtained: modified albumin reinforced with nanotubes. The consistency of the composites ranged from paste-like to glass-like. Atomic force microscopy was used to study the surface morphology of the nanomaterials. The nanocomposites had a 3D quasi-periodic structure formed by almost spherical or toroidal particles 200–500 nm in diameter and 30–40 nm in visible height. Their inner, quasi-periodic structure was occasionally seen through surface microfractures. The density and hardness of the nanocomposites exceed those of microcrystalline albumin powder by 20% and by a factor of 3–5, respectively.