In situ assembly of Ag2O nanoparticles on low defect density carbon nanotubes

The assembly of nanoparticles onto carbon nanotubes has exhibited intriguing properties for various applications. Recent researches on preparation of carbon nanotubes based hybrids usually involve a heavy oxidation, usually yielding excessive structure defects. Here, a facile soft oxidation route was developed to fabricate carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported Ag2O nanoparticles. The hydrolysis of metal nitrate in aqueous solution in the presence of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone can produce metal oxide, H+ and NO3−, and the as-produced species of NO3− and H+ can react with carbon atoms of CNTs, forming oxygen-containing functional groups on the surfaces. These functional groups then can serve as the anchors and eventually form the CNTs–Ag2O hybrids, where the CNTs backbones in the hybrids have a characteristically low defect density. The microstructures of Ag2O nanoparticles on CNTs can be controlled, providing a pathway for tailoring their optical and electrochemical performances.

► We develop a facile soft oxidation route capable of assembling Ag2O nanoparticles on CNTs surfaces.
► The CNTs backbones in the hybrids have a characteristically low defect density.
► The cumbersome and costly surface modification of SWNTs in advance are needless.
► The microstructures of Ag2O nanoparticles on CNTs can be effectively controlled.