The synthesis of gel-like hybrid nanomaterials based on carbon nanotube decorated with metal nanoparticles at 45C

First, the monodispersed Au nanoparticle were fabricated with adsorption role of alkane thiol. Second, the gold was coated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) through electrostatic interaction between the polar group of MWNTs and alkane thiol. Finally, the gel-like MWNTs-coated Au hybrid nanomaterials were obtained by hydrogen bonding of PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO polymer. The content of MWNTs and Au was up to 23 wt%. The material was a solid at room temperature, which behaved like a gel that was molten but not flowed at 45C. The process of gel and solidification was reversible over many cycles. It could be dispersed in water for three months due to amphiphilic properties of the modifier molecule.