Controlled decoration of single-walled carbon nanotubes with Pd nanocubes

Although there have been many reports of nanoparticle-decorated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), the morphology of the resulting nanoparticles has lacked consistency and control. The present work demonstrates a process for decorating SWCNTs with Pd nanoparticles that have a tendency toward a selective and distinct cubic shape. SWCNTs were synthesized from an embedded catalyst in a porous anodic alumina (PAA) template. A single galvanostatic electrodeposition created Pd nanowires that contacted the SWCNTs within the pores and Pd nanoparticles that decorated the SWCNTs above the surface of the PAA. A distinct change in potential was observed as nanoparticles nucleated on the SWCNTs. The effects of current density and deposition time on the morphology of the nanoparticles were studied. Optimal deposition parameters yielded Pd nanocubes with smooth and flat facets. The electrochemical response and resulting nanocubic deposits provide insights into the difference in electrochemistry between metallic and semiconducting SWCNTs that are consistent with a disparity in the electron-transfer kinetics. Obtaining Pd nanoparticles of consistent shape that are electrically addressed by SWCNTs provides an improved structure for a variety of nanoparticle applications.