Electrochemical production of Sn-filled carbon
nanotubes in molten salts①
nanotubes in molten salts①
(1. Department of Applied Chemistry, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China;2. Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)
Abstract: Sn-filled carbon nanotubes(CNTs) were prepared in situ by electrolysis of graphite in molten LiCl/SnCl2mixtures. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) investigation shows that the as-made products contain abundance of carbon nanotubes and most of them are filled with metal nanoparticles or nanorods. Some nanotubes are even inserted with long continuous nanowires more than several micrometers in length. Selected area electron diffraction(SAED) patterns and
energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS) of the filled nanotubes confirm the presence of Sn inside the nanotubes. The encapsulated Sn was further identified asβ-Sn with tetragonal structure. Based on the experimental results, a possible growth mechanism of the Sn-filled nanotubes was also discussed.
energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS) of the filled nanotubes confirm the presence of Sn inside the nanotubes. The encapsulated Sn was further identified asβ-Sn with tetragonal structure. Based on the experimental results, a possible growth mechanism of the Sn-filled nanotubes was also discussed.
Key words: carbon nanotubes; molten salts; electrolysis; electron microscopy