Synthesis of novel single-walled carbon nanotube-magnesium nanoparticle composites by a solution reduction method

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) reinforced with uniform distribution of magnesium nanoparticles were synthesized by a solution reduction method using a Grignard reagent and lithium naphthalide. Magnesium nanoparticles were observed to be of an average size of 4.5±0.5 nm. Raman data indicated distinct diameter selectivity for larger-diameter metallic SWNTs of 2.21 nm and some degree of de-bundling of the nanotube bundles upon the incorporation of the magnesium nanoparticles.