Synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotube/metal nanoparticle composites well dispersed in organic media

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were decorated with Au, Pt and Rh nanoparticles coated with oleylamine. This modification improves substantially the colloidal dispersion of SWNTs in chloroform and other organic solvents affording stable organosols for realistic applications. The metal nanoparticles are well dispersed on the external surfaces of carbon nanotubes and among else could be used as catalyst in homogeneous or heterogeneous reactions. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.