Solvothermal synthesis of carbon nanotube-B2O3 nanocomposite using tributyl borate as boron oxide source

Single-walled carbon nanotube-B2O3 nanocomposite has been prepared using solvothermal technique. Tributyl borate was explored as the boron oxide reagent using toluene and water as the solvent, respectively. Characterization of the reaction products using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the formation of the CNT-B2O3 nanocomposite. The solvothermal approach may serve as a facile strategy for synthesis of nanocomposites of metal oxides and carbon nanotubes especially when metal alkoxides is utilized as precursor for the metal oxides.

Graphical abstractThe synthesis of CNTs-B2O3 nanocomposite was accomplished based on the facile solvothermal reaction of (n-C4H9O)3B with carbon nanotubes in a Teflon coated stainless steel cylinder at 140 °C for 72 h. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern confirms boron oxide crystal phase in the composite.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide