A novel method of supporting gold nanoparticles on MWCNTs: Synchrotron X-ray reduction

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles decorating the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are prepared by photochemical reduction. The gold clusters form different interesting geometrical faceted shapes in accordance to time duration of synchrotron X-ray irradiation. The shape of nanogold could be spherical, rod-like, or triangular. Carbon nanotubes serve as optimal templates for the heterogeneous nucleation of gold nanocrystals. These nanocrystal structures are characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and element analysis by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).