One-pot synthesis of carbon nanotube–graphene hybrids via syngas production

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are limited by entanglement, and it is rather difficult to prevent graphene stacking in a polymer composite. These two challenges can be addressed by developing a MWCNT–graphene hybrid where MWCNTs and graphene are born as twins. We in this study employed a syngas production method using microwave irradiation for a one-pot synthesis of porous, crumpled and loose MWCNT–graphene hybrids, investigated the substrate compositions, measured their performance as electrodes for energy storage devices, and proposed the synthesis mechanisms. A number of hybrids, including MWCNT–graphene, MWCNT–cup-stacked CNT and MWCNT–graphitic nanofiber, were synthesized on Cr–Ni, Fe–Ni and Ni–CeO₂ substrates, respectively. TEM analysis shows that the two challenges have been markedly addressed in the hybrids. They performed better in terms of capacitive properties than commercial MWCNTs.