Synthesis of carbon nanotubes/metal oxide composites over layered double hydroxides and application in electrooxidation of ethanol

Abstract Carbon nanotubes/metal oxide composites were prepared by catalytic chemical vapor deposition of acetylene over Ni–Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs). Power X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements revealed that multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized in a catalytic reaction by Ni nanoparticles derived from LDHs. The spinel-type Ni x Mg 1 − x Al 2 O 4 was in situ formed together with CNTs. Electrodes modified with platinum particles supported on the as-fabricated CNTs/Ni x Mg 1 − x Al 2 O 4 composites showed excellent electrocatalytic activity for the electrooxidation of ethanol. The present study provided a new method to optimize electrodes modified with platinum particles, based on deposition of CNTs combined with metal oxides.