Coating multiwalled carbon nanotubes with gold nanoparticles derived from gold salt precursors

Derived gold nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes were generated via local reduction of AuCl4− ions, which are ion-paired with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane that are chemically attached to carbon nanotubes. The controllable loading of gold nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes can be tuned by regenerative ion exchange and subsequent reduction. This method is not limited to gold, however, it may be used to assemble a variety of other metal nanoparticles on surfaces of the modified carbon nanotubes. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction are all used to characterize the as-prepared gold nanoparticle coated carbon nanotube hybrids. The hybrids show characteristic plasmon absorption of gold nanoparticles in the UV–visible spectrum and very good electrochemical properties. The results imply that these nanohybrids may have a good application potential in catalysis, sensor, and fuel cells.

► Derived gold nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes were generated via ion exchange and reduction.
► The as-prepared carbon nanotube/gold nanoparticle hybrids were characterized by XRD, TEM, and XPS.
► The hybrids show characteristic plasmon absorption in the UV–visible spectrum and good electrochemical properties.