Electrostatic-force-directed assembly of ag nanocrystals onto vertically aligned carbon nanotubes

Abstract

A facile dry route electrostatic-force-directed assembly (ESFDA) was used to deposit silver nanocrystals onto the external surface of vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Charged and nonagglomerated aerosol silver nanocrystals were first produced using a mini-arc plasma source. The nanocrystals were then assembled onto the electrically biased MWCNT array through the enhanced electric field near the CNT surface. The electrostatic field plays a crucial role in the assembly process. Gradients of the nanocrystal size and the nanocrystal areal density along the length of the CNT have been observed, and these are likely due to the variation of the electric. field near the CNT surface. The ESFDA technique enables the in situ coating of CNT arrays with nanocrystals to create novel hybrid nanomaterials with tailored properties.