Abstract
An easy method to synthesize SiOx coated carbon nanotubes (SiOx-CNT) through thermal decomposition of polycarbomethylsilane adsorbed on the surface of CNTs is reported. Physical properties of SiOx-CNT samples depending on various Si contents and synthesis conditions are examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nitrogen isotherm, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Morphology of the SiOx-CNT appears to be perfectly identical to that of the pristine CNT. It is confirmed that SiOx is formed in a thin layer of approximately 1 nm thickness over the surface of CNTs. The specific surface area is significantly increased by the coating, because thin layer of SiOx is highly porous. The surface properties such as porosity and thickness of SiOx layers are found to be controlled by SiOx contents and heat treatment conditions. The preparation method in this study is to provide useful nano-hybrid composite materials with multi-functional surface properties.
Highlights
Hybrid materials combining carbon nanotubes (CNT) with the oxides have been synthesized to obtain improved or sometimes new functions in various applications
When CNT was completely combusted at 700 °C in air, appearance of the sample was almost the same as pristine CNT, and any noticeable silica particulates or aggregates were not found under scanning electron microscope (SEM) (Figure 2d)
SiOx-CNT composites, which consist of CNT at the core and silicon oxide species on the surface, were successfully synthesized by a simple method of thermal decomposition of PS-coated CNT
Summary
Hybrid materials combining carbon nanotubes (CNT) with the oxides have been synthesized to obtain improved or sometimes new functions in various applications. ZnO bulk material by combining advantages of ZnO, such as high optical activity and high sensitivity for UV-Vis light, and advantages of CNT, such as high mechanical strength and chemical stability [7]. SiO2-CNT hybrids have been prepared for various applications such as oxidation resistance, optic applications, biosensor and catalytic applications due to their high surface area and versatility of silica chemistry [10,11,12]. A surface modification was carried out through coating SiOx over CNT, which might be an efficient way to functionalize the CNT surface without making structural defects. SiOx-CNT composites were synthesized using a simple method with adsorption of hydrophobic silicon containing polymer on the CNT surfaces and thermal decomposition under prescribed conditions
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