Synthesis of Co Filled Carbon Nanotubes by In Situ Reduction of CoCl 2 Filled Nanotubes by NaBH 4

Abstract

An alternative process of filling the multiwall nanotubes (MWCNTs) with cobalt metal was developed. Empty core of nanotubes was first filled with CoCl 2 by stirring with CoCl 2 and alcohol at room temperature for six hours. CoCl 2 filling inside MWCNTs was then converted into Co after treating with NaBH 4 at room temperature. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) studies showed the filling of the CoCl 2 and Co inside the nanotubes before and after the treatment. EDX studies show the nonexistence of chlorine after the reduction with NaBH 4 . Amount of filling was also reduced after the treatment. Paper describes the possible mechanism of filling CoCl 2 inside nanotube and its reduction by NaBH 4 .