In-situ synthesis of palladium nanoparticles-filled carbon nanotubes using arc-discharge in solution

A unique, simple, inexpensive and one-step synthesis route of carbon nanotubes (CNT) supported palladium nanoparticles using a simplified arc-discharge in solution is reported. Palladium nanoparticles with 3 nm diameter were found to form during reduction of palladium tetra-chloro-square-planar complex. Pd-nanoparticles were simultaneously encapsulated in CNTs during the rolling of graphene sheets in the arc-discharge process. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy suggests no functionalization of chlorine to the sidewall of CNTs. Study of High Resolution Transmission Electron microscopy supports the scroll mechanism for CNT formation. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.