Preparation and characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes decorated with silver nanoparticles through ultraviolet irradiation reduction

摘要

A facile, green and efficient approach was applied to synthesize multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) decorated with silver nanoparticles (MWNT-Ag) for further potential application. Oxidized MWNTs were decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) via a method combining ultraviolet irradiation-induced reduction and conventional silver mirror reaction without any reducing agent. The obtained product was characterized using various methods. X-ray diffraction proved that the Ag NPs were synthesized successfully. Moreover, Ag NPs with a diameter of 80 nm, attached onto MWNTs, could be clearly observed in field emission scanning electron microscopy images, which also confirmed Ag NPs. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy also indicated the presence of Ag NPs. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis was used to measure the content of Ag NPs in MWNT-Ag, the result indicating that the weight content of Ag NPs was up to 31.88%. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy was adopted to evaluate the dispersion property of MWNT-Ag. The result illustrated that MWNT-Ag had a good dispersibility and stability in water. Characterization was also carried out through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis.