Formation of gold nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes by using an electroless plating method

Gold nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were obtained by using electroless plating technique. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy evidenced the high-density and homogeneous dispersion of spherical gold nanoparticles on the outer surfaces of the carbon nanotubes, with a sharp particle size distribution centered at around 3-4 nm of diameter. The resultant hybrid nanostructures have potential application for being used as novel gold nanocatalysts.