Fabrication of hybrid nanoparticle/CNT nanocomposite by self-assembly method via ionic interaction

Palladium nanoparticles with cubic silsesquioxanes (POSS) (Pd-POSS) were produced from the reaction of palladium (II) acetate andocta(3-aminopropyl)octasilsesquioxane octahydrochloride (POSS-NH₃⁺) in methanol at room temperature. Functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT-COOH) were prepared by acid treatment of pristine MWNTs. The hybrid nanocomposites with Pd-POSS and MWNT-COOH were synthesized by self-assembly method via ionic interaction between positively charged Pd-POSS and negatively charged MWNT-COO^-. The spherical aggregates of Pd-POSS with a diameter of 40-60 nm were well attached to the surfaces of MWNT-COOH on Silicon wafer. The composition, structure, and surface morphology of the hybrid nanocomposites with Pd-POSS and MWNT-COOH were studied by UV-vis spectrophotometer, energy dispersive spectrum (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM), etc.