New synthesis of Cu2O and Cu nanoparticles on multi-wall carbon nanotubes

Cu2O and Cu nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanombes with a diameter range of 15-90 nm by the impregnate method. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes with a length of 200 mu m and a diameter range of 70-110 nm were grown inside of quartz tubing by the spray pyrolysis method using ferrocene/benzene under argon flow. The nanotubes were then treated with nitric acid to clean the surface and generate carboxylic groups. The copper was impregnated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes using a xylene solution of copper(I) phenylacetylide as the precursor. Copper and cuprous oxide nanoparticles were obtained during thermal treatment. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.