One-step grown multi-walled carbon nanotubes with Ni filling and decoration

E-ISSN： 1361-6463|48|22|225303-225308

ISSN： 0022-3727

Source： Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, Vol.48, Iss.22, 2015-06, pp. : 225303-225308

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Abstract

A single step approach for the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes filled with Ni nanowires (Ni-MWCNTs) and decorated with Ni nanoparticles has been illustrated. The MWCNTs are grown by a PECVD-sputtering hybrid process at the low temperature of 450 °C having an average diameter of 55 ± 6 nm and length of 1.35 ± 0.08 µm. Thin Ni films of the thickness 10 nm have been used, which act as a catalyst as well as a source material for the filling of MWCNTs with Ni nanowires, whereas sputtering of Ni is the source of decorated Ni particles. This process facilitates the growth of aligned MWCNTs filled with Ni nanowires and also decorated with Ni nanoparticles on the walls. Magnetic properties of the Ni filled and decorated MWCNTs are measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer. Magnetic hysteresis loops of Ni containing MWCNTs show ferromagnetic behavior. These Ni-MWCNTs shows coercivity of 135 Oe, which is significantly greater than that of the bulk Ni at room temperature. The magnetic property measurement reveals that the coercivity of the as grown MWCNTs is dependent on the size and content of Ni. Thus, a novel method has been demonstrated for the synthesis of ferromagnetic Ni-MWCNT which has potential applications in various fields.