Open Access Nano Express

Single step process for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes and metal/alloy-filled multiwalled carbon nanotubes

MM Shaijumon, ALeelaMohana Reddy and S Ramaprabhu*

Author Affiliations

Department of Physics, Alternative Energy Technology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamilnadu, 600036, India

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Nanoscale Research Letters 2007, 2:75-80 doi:10.1007/s11671-006-9033-5


The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at:


Received:13 September 2006
Accepted:1 December 2006
Published:6 January 2007

© 2007 to the authors

Abstract

A single-step approach for the synthesis of multi-walled nanotubes (MWNT) filled with nanowires of Ni/ternary Zr based hydrogen storage alloy has been illustrated. We also demonstrate the generation of CO-free hydrogen by methane decomposition over alloy hydride catalyst. The present work also highlights the formation of single-walled nanotubes (SWNT) and MWNTs at varying process conditions. These carbon nanostructures have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM (HRTEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and Raman spectroscopy. This new approach overcomes the existing multi-step process limitation, with possible impact on the development of future fuel cell, nano-battery and hydrogen sensor technologies.

Keywords:
Carbon nanotubes; Nanowires; Encapsulation; Hydrogen production; Alloys; Chemical vapour deposition

Nano Express

[1-29]

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge financial support received from DRDO, RCI, NMRL and MHRD, Govt. of India for the present work.

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