CNTs/mesostructured silica core-shell nanowires via interfacial surfactant templating

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/mesostructured silica core-shell nanowires with a carbon nanotube core and controllable highly ordered periodic mesoporous silica shell are syntheiszed via the interfacial surfactant template. The core-shell nanowires are characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and nitrogen sorption/desorption. The results indicate that the core-shell nanowires have highly ordered periodic mesoporous silica shell (space group p6mm), high BET surface area and narrow pore size distribution. Moreover, the morphology of core-shell nanowires can be controlled by the pH value. The core-shell nanowires have promising applications in biosensors, nanoprobes and energy storage due to their good dispersibility in polar solvents. Supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) through Discovery Project program (DP0452461)