Synthesis and Characterization of SiO2-Carbon Nanotube Hybrides Using a Sol-Gel Method

Abstract

This work is focused on synthesis of SiO2- CNT hybrides via sol-gel method. Homogeneous distribution of <br />carbon nanotubes within silicon matrix was obtained by mixing the functionalized carbon nanotube (CNTCOOH) <br />with active silicic acid followed by titration to the solution of sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) under the <br />average temperature condition of 80?C. Different ratios of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and various <br />concentrations of colloidal silica were used for synthesis of SiO2-CNT. Powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) <br />and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) used for studying the structure and morphological characteristics <br />of the synthesized SiO2-CNT hybrids. The results showed that the various morphologies of SiO2-CNTs are <br />obtained with different ratio of precursors. The SEM images indicated the formation of uniform <br />nanoparticles, nanowires and nanotube structures in various samples. In addition, the hydrogen storage <br />capacity and thermal conductivity of SiO2-CNT hybrides were determined and presented in this article. Also <br />total pore volume and BET surface area were calculated for these composites.