Photothermal synthesis of ultrafine CuxO nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes for photosensitized degradation

Abstract

We exploit a facile strategy for photothermal synthesis (PTS) of Cu_xO nanoparticles (NPs) on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) suspended in solution, where the pulsed laser can penetrate through the liquid unimpeded and heat the CNTs selectively to a high temperature, thereafter, the hot CNTs trigger the chemical reactions to produce Cu_xO NPs directly on the CNT surface. PTS yields ultrafine NPs with sizes of 3–5 nm, which distribute evenly and connect tightly with CNTs. The Cu_xO–CNTs composite shows excellent photocatalytic properties due to its cascade energy structure, smooth electron transfer between NPs and CNTs, and elimination of structural defects in CNTs by laser heating.