Tailoring of physical properties of glassy selenium (g-Se) by using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)

[Display omitted] •Synthesis of novel nanocomposite by using glassy Se (g-Se) and MWCNTs.•The electrical conductivity of g-Se is enhanced drastically after MWCNTs doping.•MWCNTs play important role in improving the hardness of g-Se.•The resistive switching behavior is also changed dramatically after doping of MWCNTs. The present research reports the studies of the different physical properties of a novel kind of glass nanocomposite sample that belongs to the nano-structuring of glassy selenium (g-Se) by choosing multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a dopant. The structural analysis of the sample is done by employing different techniques [e.g., Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Raman spectroscopy]. The detailed analysis reveals that the MWCNTs are incorporated successfully in the glass matrix of Se. The occurrence of thermally activated glass transition/crystallization in the present glass nanocomposite sample has been investigated by thermal analysis of calorimetric measurements. The thermo-mechanical and electrical properties of this sample have been studied by micro-indentation test, and current–voltage measurements respectively. We have also compared different physical properties of current glass composites with that of g-Se for understanding the consequences of MWCNTs doping in the parent g-Se. The detailed analysis shows that the electrical conductivity, hardness, threshold voltage of resistive switching, and modulus of elasticity of the parent sample (i.e., g-Se) are increased drastically after the doping of MWCNTs, whereas there is a drastic reduction in the thermal stability and volume of the micro-voids.