Paul R., Kumbhakar P., Mitra A.K.
National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, IN
Keywords: MWCNT, nanohybrid, photoluminiscence, titania
We report here a simple chemical precipitation process to synthesize a heterostructure of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and TiO2 (titania) nanoparticles of average size 3.5 nm. The hybrid structure has been characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. It is clearly revealed from the HRTEM micrograph that titania nanocrystals of nearly uniform size are attached onto the MWCNT surfaces. The presence of titania has been confirmed from EDAX spectroscopy analysis. Raman spectroscopy shows additional peaks of TiO2 nanocrystals in the range 400-640 cm-1. The photoluminescence (PL) study shows violet emission from the hybrid material in the range 325-500 nm with peak emission at around 400 nm, which is absent in the case of pristine MWCNT. The PL emission has been obtained for 220-270 nm excitation wavelength and can be attributed to the charge transfer between TiO2 nanocrystals and MWCNTs.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2011: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 207 - 210
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Carbon Nano Structures & Devices
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7142-3