The Synthesis of Gel-Like Hybrid Nanomaterials Based on Carbon Nanotube Decorated with Metal Nanoparticles at 45°C

Abstract

First, the monodispersed Au nanoparticle were fabricated with adsorption role of alkane thiol. Second, the gold was coated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) through electrostatic interaction between the polar group of MWNTs and alkane thiol. Finally, the gel-like MWNTs-coated Au hybrid nanomaterials were obtained by hydrogen bonding of PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO polymer. The content of MWNTs and Au was up to 23 wt%. The material was a solid at room temperature, which behaved like a gel that was molten but not flowed at 45°C. The process of gel and solidification was reversible over many cycles. It could be dispersed in water for three months due to amphiphilic properties of the modifier molecule.