Surface modification of carbon nanotubes for the synthesis of CNTs/ZnS quantum dot composites via electrophoretic deposition route

Abstract

<p style="text-align: left;">In the present study, carbon nanotube (CNT)/zinc sulfide (ZnS) quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized followed by electrophoretic deposition on Al electrodes. First, surface of carbon nanotubes were modified using wet chemical routes to obtain Carboxyl-, Chlorine- and Amine-modified CNTs. Then, ZnS QDs were synthesized by hydrothermal method and attached to the CNTs. Although deposition weight of CNTs were improved considerably by surface modification, it decreased dramatically after attachment of ZnS QDs. Microstructure studies showed that a better coverage has been obtained on the Al substrate by the continuous layer of Carboxyl-modified CNTs. Moreover, ZnS QDs were coated on the surface of Carboxyl-modified CNTs properly.</p>