Synthesis and Characterization of a Nanocomplex of ZnO Nanoparticles Attached to Carbon Nanotubes

A CNT/ZnO nanocomplex was fabricated by attaching ZnO nanoparticles with various diameters to carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The as-prepared agglomerate ZnO nanoparticles were dispersed and positively charged by utilizing a cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). ZnO/CTAB micelles were subsequently anchored to the surface of CNTs by electrostatic interaction between carboxyl groups on the chemically oxidized nanotubes sidewalls and CTAB molecules. Different experimental conditions for the attachment were studied. The CNT/ZnO nanocomplex was characterized using structural and optical analysis methods. ZnO nanoparticles attached to the carbon nanotubes were found to be separated from each other, maintaining characteristics of quantum dots. Photoluminescence study showed that the emission of ZnO nanoparticles was quenched in the nanocomplex.