Carbon nanotube seeded sol-gel synthesis of silica nanoparticle assemblies

In situ fabrication of silica nanobeads on pristine carbon nanotubes through a CNT-seeded sol-gel process was demonstrated. CNTs were introduced into the the sol-gel system as nuclei for the further growth of silica nanoparticles. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes synthesized by the catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) method were used as-received without further purification. It was found that the architecture of the CNTs silica products can be controlled by the conditions in synthesis. The strings of silica nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes would provide an excellent platform for the development of biosensors, magnetic, and catalytic applications.