High Electronic Conductivity and Air Stability of Ultrasmall Copper‐Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Pyridine‐Based Polybenzimidazole Carbon Nanotube Composite

Abstract

AbstractThe development of synthetic methods of copper nanoparticles (Cu‐NPs) on conductive supports is very challenging and receives much attention. Here, we describe a novel technique to grow stable and uniform metallic Cu‐NPs homogeneously on the surface of pristine multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNTs) catalyst support physically functionalized with a pyridine‐based polybenzimidazole (PyPBI) polymer that acts as a ligand to capture the Cu‐NPs. Cu‐metal nanoparticles with a particle size of 5.0±0.5 nm were obtained on the surface of MWNTs with homogenous and uniform distribution. The newly prepared Cu‐NPs show a remarkably enhanced air stability and electrical conductivity, compared to the current state of the art Cu‐NPs, over 20 days and 500 potential cycles, respectively, with a limited degradation rate of Cu‐metallic state. The PyPBI polymer plays an essential role in the stability of Cu‐NPs on the surface of MWNTs through coordination with PyPBI, suppressing the Cu‐degradation process, which usually decreases the Cu application efficiency. Accordingly, the prospects of applications of the present Cu‐NPs composite are excellent.