Chemically bonded ceramic oxide coatings on carbon nanotubes and inorganic nanowires

Abstract

Acid-treated carbon nanotubes are reacted with metal halides and water and are then calcined to produce a chemically bonded oxide layer of controllable thickness on the nanotubes (see figure). Similar coatings are prepared on aluminum oxide and silicon nanowires by the reaction of the metal halides with the surface hydroxyl groups present on the nanowire surfaces. Potential applications include in sensors, insulation, and high-toughness composites.