Infrared irradiation controlled decoration of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with copper/copper oxide nanocrystals

Abstract Infrared (IR) irradiation controlled decoration of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with copper, cuprous oxide and cupric oxide nanocrystals was performed and investigated by various techniques. The decoration was achieved through a simple route by employing Cu(I) phenylacetylide (CPA) as the source of copper to impregnate the oxygen-functionalized MWCNTs (O-MWCNTs) during IR irradiation, and the composite was then calcined under different atmospheres and at suitable temperatures to obtain the controlled decoration of Cu/CuO x nanocrystals. The chemical functionalization of the MWCNTs followed by impregnation in the presence of IR radiation is the key step for the formation of homogeneously distributed CPA on the O-MWCNTs (CPA-MWCNTs). The controlled decoration of copper, cuprous oxide and cupric oxide nanocrystals in their pure phase was achieved by calcining the CPA-MWCNTs in hydrogen, nitrogen and air, respectively, at suitable temperatures.