Synthesis of carbon nanotube composites with size-controlled silicon nanoparticles

A new route for the synthesis of silicon nanoparticle (Si NP)/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites by a low-temperature magnesiothermic reduction process is presented. The size of the Si NPs can be controlled by varying the silica (SiO2) thickness of SiO2/CNT precursors. The structural and morphological characterizations of the Si NP/CNT composites have been carried out using powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.