Electrochemical Growth of Pd for the Synthesis of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes

J. Phys. Chem. C, 112 (6), 1857 -1864, 2008. 10.1021/jp077512l S1932-7447(07)07512-7
Web Release Date: January 17, 2008

Electrochemical Growth of Pd for the Synthesis of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes

Rakesh K. Joshi,* Masamishi Yoshimura, Chien-Chao Chiu, Fa-Kuei Tung, and Kazuyuki Ueda

Nano High Tech Research Centre, Toyota Technological Institute Hisakata 2-Chome, Tempaku-Ku, Nagoya 4688511, Japan

Kei Tanaka

Daido Bunseki Research Inc., 2-30 Daido Minami-Ku, Nagoya 4578545, Japan

Received: September 18, 2007

In Final Form: November 3, 2007

Abstract:

Palladium nanostructures with variation in shape and size have been synthesized using an electrochemical deposition method. Cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry have been used to study the growth of Pd nanoparticles on Si substrates and tungsten wire. Different sets of solutions containing PdCl₂, Pd(NO₃)₂, and PdSO_4, respectively, have been used to grow the Pd nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the Pd nanostructures on various substrates. The Pd nanostructures were used as a catalyst to grow the multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) by a microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. Dependence of the Pd nanoparticle shape on the architecture of MWCNTs is discussed. Carbon nanotubes were also grown on the tungsten tips. Development of Pd into Pd₂Si during growth of MWCNT on Pd-coated Si has been studied. The nanotubes were observed to be filled by Pd₂Si. Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the structure of the Pd₂Si filled carbon nanotubes.

Download the full text: PDF | HTML