Contactless tip-selective electrodeposition of palladium onto carbon nanotubes and nanotibers

Palladium was electrodeposited onto the tips of isolated carbon nanotibers and carbon nanopipes using an electric field. The amount of Pd deposited on the tips was controlled by varying the field application time. The morphology obtained varied from agglomerate of small particles that just covers the end of the nanotube to large ramified deposits that grow off the tip of the nanotube. The influence of the orientation of the carbon nanostructures with respect to the applied electric field and the quantity of the metal deposited is discussed. Electron microscopy was used to characterize the morphology and location of the deposits.