Abstract
We present a study of the seeded growth of copper on the surface of two classes of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in order to compare the effects of surface functional groups. Pyridine-functionalized HiPco SWNTs and ultrashort SWNTs (US-SWNTs) were synthesized (py-SWNTs and py-US-SWNTs, respectively), and the functionality was used as seed sites for copper, via an aqueous electroless deposition reaction, as a comparison to the carboxylic acid functionality present on piranha-etched SWNTs and the native US-SWNTs. UV-vis spectroscopy demonstrated the take-up of Cu(II) ions by the functionalized SWNTs. TEM showed that the SWNTs with pyridine functionality more rapidly produced a more even distribution of copper seeds with a narrower size distribution (3-12 nm for py-US-SWNTs) than those SWNTs with oxygen functional groups (ca. 30 nm), showing the adventitious role of the pyridine functional group in the seeding process. Seed composition was confirmed as Cu(0) by XPS and SAED. Copper growth rate and morphology were shown to be affected by degree of pyridine functionality, the length of the SWNT, and the electroless reaction solvent used.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
