Single-step synthesis of metal-coated well-aligned CNx nanotubes using an aerosol-technique

Metal-coated nitrogen-containing carbon nanotubes were produced on oxidized silicon substrates using catalytic chemical vapor deposition from an aerosol-containing droplets of a solution of ferrocene and an acetylacetonate salt of a noble metal (Pt, Ru or Pd) in acetonitrile. The aerosol was carried into the reactor with an argon flow. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and selected area energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were used to analyze the nanotubes. They show the presence of well-aligned nanotubes coated with nanoparticles of iron and the noble metal making them possible heterogeneous catalysts for applications where a carbonaceous support is important.