Chemical challenges during the synthesis of MWCNT-based inorganic nanocomposite materials

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were successfully covered with metal oxides - such as TiO2, ZnO, Al2O3, SnO2, and In2O3 nanoparticles - with different preparation methods under solvent conditions. The applied synthesis techniques were impregnation, a hydrothermal process and a ball-milling method. As-prepared inorganic coverage layers were characterized by TEM, HRTEM, SEM, SEM-EDX, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Results revealed that the choice of synthesis technique affects the quality and the layer structure of the deposited inorganic particles on the surface of carbon nanotubes. These materials might be suitable for nanotechnology applications. (C) 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim