Photoresponse from noble metal nanoparticles-multi walled carbon nanotube composites

摘要

In this Letter, we investigated the photo-response of multi wall carbon nanotube-based compositesudobtained from in situ thermal evaporation of noble metals (Au, Ag, and Cu) on the nanotube films. Theudmetal deposition process produced discrete nanoparticles on the nanotube outer walls. Theudnanoparticle-carbon nanotube films were characterized by photo-electrochemical measurements in audstandard three electrode cell. The photocurrent from the decorated carbon nanotubes remarkablyudincreased with respect to that of bare multiwall tubes. With the aid of first-principle calculations, theseudresults are discussed in terms of metal nanoparticle–nanotube interactions and electronic charge transferudat the interface.VC 2012 American Institute of Physics.