Low temperature facile synthesis of anatase TiO2 coated multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

Anatase TiO2 coated multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanocomposites were prepared by combining the sol-gel method with a self assembly technique at a low temperature XRD, TEM, FTIR and XPS spectra were applied to characterize the crystal phase, microstructure, and other physicochemical properties of the sample. The results showed that MWNTs were covered with a 12-20 nm thickness layer of anatase TiO2 or surrounded by a 30-290 nm thickness coating of anatase TiO2 The layer or coating is constructed of TiO2 nanoparticles about 5 8 nm Furthermore, as-prepared composite was rich in surface hydroxyl groups. (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved