Preparation and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotube/In2O3 composites

We have prepared multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/In2O3 composites using a simple impregnation method. The precursor compound indium(III) chloride (InCl3) was used to cover the surface of MWCNTs and distilled water was used as solvent. The applied mass ratio was 4:1 (In2O3/MWCNT), and during the calcination process different temperatures (300, 350 and 400 °C) were investigated. The produced materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and a thermogravimetric analysis was executed also. The average thickness of the produced surface layer and the average sizes of the In2O3 particles were calculated with the Scherrer formula and the ImageJ-program. The results show that the heat treatment temperature affected the characteristic morphology and the crystal structure of the as-prepared composite. These multiwalled carbon nanotube-based composites are promising candidates as gas sensors and catalyst.