Synthesis of “Silica – Carbon Nanotubes” Composite and Investigation of its Properties

A new method for synthesis of CNT-SiO2 composite was developed. Oligomethylhydridesiloxane (OMHS) was used as the SiO2 precursor. The presence of active hydrogen in the composition of OMHS made it possible to obtain chemical interaction between the surface of carbon nanotubes and the deposited silica layer. The effect of the silica film on the CNT oxidizing ability was studied. It was found that the oxidation rate of the CNT-SiO2 composite decreases approximately by an order of magnitude in comparison with as-prepared CNT. The morphology and structure of amorphous silica obtained after oxidation of the CNT-SiO2 composite were studied. The thermal stability of the CNT-SiO2 composite was also studied. The CNT-SiO2 composite was found to be thermally stable up to temperatures of 1100-1200 ºC. An increase in the calcination temperature to 1300 ºC leads to segregation of the CNT-SiO2 composite into individual components: CNT and SiO2 particles.