Synthesis and Characterization of SiO2-Carbon Nanotube Hybrides Using a Sol-Gel Method

This work is focused on synthesis of SiO2- CNT hybrides via sol-gel method. Homogeneous distribution of carbon nanotubes within silicon matrix was obtained by mixing the functionalized carbon nanotube (CNTCOOH) with active silicic acid followed by titration to the solution of sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) under the average temperature condition of 80ºC. Different ratios of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and various concentrations of colloidal silica were used for synthesis of SiO2-CNT. Powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) used for studying the structure and morphological characteristics of the synthesized SiO2-CNT hybrids. The results showed that the various morphologies of SiO2 CNTs are obtained with different ratio of precursors. The SEM images indicated the formation of uniform nanoparticles, nanowires and nanotube structures in various samples. In addition, the hydrogen storage capacity and thermal conductivity of SiO2-CNT hybrides were determined and presented in this article. Also total pore volume and BET surface area were calculated for these composites.