Preparation and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes grown directly onto a conducting support

A method is described for the growth of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) directly onto a Co-coated stainless steel (SS) metal support. Coulometric analysis of the cyclic voltammetry curves obtained for CNT/Co(SS) electrodes in 1 M LiClO4 in ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate (1:1 v/v) electrolytes, yielded, within the uncertainties in the weight (ca. 50%), Li+ storage capacities as high as those observed for more conventional carbon materials, providing evidence that all the multiwalled CNTs within the entire ensemble are electrochemically active. Possible applications of these unique electrodes to electroanalysis are briefly discussed. (C) 2003 The Electrochemical Society.