Surface Modification and Hydroxyapatite Coating of Carbon Nanotubes

In order to study the influence of surface modification and other factors on the hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating of carbon nanotubes by an in situ method, the structure of HAp/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was investigated by means of TEM, FTIR and XRD. Results show that many functional groups are produced on the surface of CNTs by the acid treatment. Using anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as dispersant, the surface properties of CNTs can be changed to yield a basic or acidic surfaces. With the addition of (NH4)2HPO4 solution, HAp is deposited and successfully coated on CNTs. The results also indicate that the surface modification, proper pH and aging temperature are the key factors to obtain continuous HAP layer.