Morphology of hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanoparticles tethered to carbon nanotubes affects electrocatalytic activity for H₂O₂ detection.

ABSTRACT: We describe the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and demonstrate their attachment to multiwalled carbon tubes, resulting in a composite with a unique synergistic effect. Morphology and size of ZnO nanostructures were controlled using hydrothermal synthesis, varying the hydrothermal treatment temperature, prior to attachment to carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for sensing applications. A strong dependence of electrocatalytic activity on nanosized ZnO shape was shown. High activity for H₂O₂ reduction was achieved when nanocomposite precursors with a roughly semi-spherical morphology (no needle-like particles present) formed at 90 °C. A 2.4-fold increase in cyclic voltammetry current accompanied by decrease in overpotential from the

SUBMITTER: Wayu MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4326222 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature