Environmentally friendly preparation of nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotube or graphene hybrid structures and their potential applications

Nanoparticle-modified carbon nanotubes or graphene structures have recently been developed for use in various applications, such as drug delivery systems, biosensors, batteries, energy storage, and nanoelectronics. However, highly hazardous materials may be produced and released during the synthesis reaction and sample preparation of these nanostructures under existing methods. In order to overcome the problem, many scientists are working on the development of environmentally friendly and user-friendly preparation methods for decorating carbon nanostructures with nanomaterials. This review introduces several synthesis strategies that may lead toward more eco-friendly approaches. Potential applications in various fields for nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotubes or graphene prepared using an environmentally friendly method are also a focus of the article.