Fabrication of the carbon nanotubes with small pits or embedded by nanoparticles via template-assisted method

The novel specific structure of carbon nanotubers (CNTs) and the fascinating heterostructure of carbon nanotubers/metal nanostructure continue to attract attention for potential application and development in science and technology fields. Here, a special structure of CNTs (with small pits or holes on its walls) was fabricated by the combination of adorning the channel of anode alumina oxide (AAO) by electrochemical depositing metal Ag and growing of CNTs by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and their structures details were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The formation mechanism of this novel structure and its possible potential application are suggested. Furthermore, on the basis of this work, a novel heterostructure of Pt particles and carbon nanotubers was synthesized via similar approach. Regarding the latter, the approach presented here could be further extended to fabricate carbon nanotubes/other metal nanostructures.

► Carbon nanotubes with pits or Pt particles embedded are fabricated.
► Novel structures are fabricated using an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template.
► Detail synthesis includes decorating AAO channels and chemical vapor deposition.
► Formation mechanism of these novel structures is suggested.