Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Carbon nanotube (CNT)-nickel/nickel oxide (Ni/NiO) core/shell nanoparticles (CNC) heterostructures were prepared in a unique single-step synthetic route by direct chemical precipitation of nanoparticles on CNT surface. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown CNTs (average diameter ˜42.7±12.3 nm) allowed for direct nucleation and uniform coating of Ni/NiO core/shell nanoparticles (average diameter ˜11.8±1.7 nm). The crystal structure, morphology, and phases in CNC heterostructures were studied using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Subsequently, the as-produced CNC heterostructures were incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel resulting in CNC heterostructure-PVA hydrogel with ˜ 75% water absorbing capability. These novel hydrogels were also characterized by SEM and showed actuation under 0.2 T magnet. They are promising for smart analytical devices and platform.