High-density attachment of gold nanoparticles on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes using ion exchange

The attachment of gold nanoparticles (NPs) onto chemically functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by ion pairing interaction is reported. The structure and composition of the resulting gold NP/MWCNT hybrids were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A high-density of gold NPs was homogeneously dispersed on the modified MWCNTs. The hybrids show characteristic plasmon absorption of gold NPs in the UV–visible spectrum and good electrochemical properties.