Application of carbon nanotubes as template for self-assembled nanowires

The aim of this research is to investigate the method of white X-ray irradiation (WXI) for forming nano particles or wires mostly inside multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). WXI approach which uses the energy of light to react with MWCNTs in aqueous solution has not yet been found. This study is mainly focusing on white X-ray irradiation technique which illustrates MWCNTs can be used as template for self-assembled nanowires. WXI synthesis technique is compared with the traditional method of heat treatments for various structures of nano hybrid materials. The research indicates that the traditional heat treatment results in nano particles being on the surfaces of MWCNTs; while the WXI keeps them inside MWCNTs. Accordingly, a model of light-heat transformation for MWCNTs is proposed to explain the mechanism of reaction inside MWCNTs. It is also found that the approach of WXI can fill nanoparticles inside MWCNTs in a comparatively shorter time. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.