Dendrimer-mediated synthesis of water-dispersible carbon-nanotube-supported oxide nanoparticles

SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles of 35-45 nm size were synthesized by hydrolysis of Si and Ti precursors, respectively, in aqueous dispersions of multiwalled carbon nanotubes, which were surface-modified by covalent bonds with dendrimers. Nanoparticle-attached carbon nanotubes were water-dispersible, owing to the contribution of water-soluble dendrimers. The growth of the nanoparticles and the stability of the hybrids depended on the hydrolysis rate of the precursors.