Synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotube–tungsten carbide composites by the reduction and carbonization process

Multi-walled carbon nanotube–tungsten carbide composites were prepared by the reduction and carbonization process using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and WO3 precursor by molecular level mixing and calcination. The pre-prepared MWCNT–tungsten carbide composites were characterized by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Furthermore, the crystal phase was identified by X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure of the MWCNTs was destroyed by the direct carbonization reaction between the MWCNTs and the WO3 precursor without an additional carbon source. Moreover, pure MWCNT–tungsten carbide composites were difficult to obtain. With the additional carbon source CH4, pure MWCNT–tungsten carbide composites were prepared, and the 1D nanostructure of the MWCNTs was retained.