Gold-carbon nanotube nanocomposites: synthesis and applications

Nanocomposites are combinations of nanomaterials with other molecules or nanoscaled materials, such as nanoparticles or nanotubes. In general, these novel nanocomposites have different physical and chemical properties from the constituent particles or wires, and will thus allow new kinds of applications. Among these nanocomposites, gold-carbon nanotube (Au-CNT) composites are of particular interests, due to their easy fabrication protocols and broad potential applications. Au-CNT nanocomposites commonly refer to gold nanoparticles deposited on carbon nanotubes. To obtain Au-CNT nanocomposites, different methods have been developed, including direct and linked deposition of gold nanoparticles on CNT. Au-CNT nanocomposites combine the excellent physical and chemical properties of both gold nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes. The easy modification surface of gold nanoparticle and the excellent conductivity of carbon nanotube as well the high surface area, point towards a broad range of applications, such as biosensing, gas sensing, and electrochemistry. This paper reviews the recent progress of different kinds of Au-CNT nanocomposites and their synthesis and applications.