The preparation of stable metal nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes whose surfaces were modified during production

Metal nanoparticles were synthesized by using surface-modified carbon nanotubes (m-CNTs) and pristine CNTs (p-CNTs) as stabilizing substrates. The surfaces of the m-CNTs were modified by the addition of hydrogen peroxide during the chemical vapor deposition synthesis. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed oxygen peaks, which came from C–OH and C–O–C functional groups on the m-CNT walls. Unlike the p-CNTs, the m-CNTs could be used as excellent stabilizing substrates for metal nanoparticles which were produced by using resorcinol as a reducing agent via a sonochemical method. They could stabilize the nanoparticles and prevent them from agglomeration.