Synthesis of nanocomposites based on nanotubes and silicates

► Preparation of nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes and aluminosilicates. ► Base and tip growth of nanotubes. ► Nanotube bridges and grids. In situ synthesis of nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes and zeolite/montmorillonite was carried out in a hot filament CVD reactor where the precursors (methane and hydrogen) are activated by carbonized tungsten filaments heated up to 2200°C. In nanocomposites formed both on zeolite and montmorillonite we observed cross-linking of the catalytic particles by nanotubes and creation of carbon nanotube bridges and three-dimensional networks. The length of nanotube bridges was in a range from several nm to nearly 10μm. A high density of carbon nanotubes was observed in the whole volume of zeolite. The high catalytic efficiency of zeolite is most likely caused by its structure that allows anchoring of Fe3+ catalytic particles in the pores and prevents their migration from the sample. At the ends of the nanotubes grown on zeolite we observed particles of the catalyst. In montmorillonite, the particles catalyzing the growth of carbon nanotubes may be present not only on the external surface but also in the interlayer voids of the mineral. Its catalytic efficiency is enhanced as proved by the higher amount of CNTs and their bundles. In the course of CNTs synthesis probably also clumps of Fe3+ catalytic particles arise, which may be the reason for formation of bundles of nanotubes.