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Fullerenes, nanotubes and nanofibers represent suitable substrates for the seeding other materials such as oxides and other minerals, as well as semiconductors. In this regard, the carbon nanomaterial acts as a seed point for the growth as well as a method of defining unusual aspect ratios. For example, silica fibers can be prepared by a number of methods, but it is only through coating SWNTs that silica nano-fibers with of micron lengths with tens of nanometers in diameter may be prepared.
While C 60 itself does not readily seed the growth of inorganic materials, liquid phase deposition of oxides, such as silica, in the presence of fullerenol, C 60 (OH) n , results in the formation of uniform oxide spheres. It appears the fullerenol acts as both a reagent and a physical point for subsequent oxide growth, and it is C 60 , or an aggregate of C 60 , that is present within the spherical particle. The addition of fullerenol alters the morphology and crystal phase of CaCO 3 precipitates from aqueous solution, resulting in the formation of spherical features, 5-pointed flower shaped clusters, and triangular crystals as opposed to the usual rhombic crystals. In addition, the meta-stable vaterite phase is observed with the addition of C 60 (OH) n .
As noted above individual SWNTs may be obtained in solution when encased in a cylindrical micelle of a suitable surfactant. These individualized nanotubes can be coated with a range of inorganic materials. Liquid phase deposition (LPD) appears to have significant advantages over other methods such as incorporating surfacted SWNTs into a preceramic matrix, in situ growth of the SWNT in an oxide matrix, and sol-gel methods. The primary advantage of LPD growth is that individual SWNTs may be coated rather than bundles or ropes. For example, SWNTs have been coated with silica by liquid phase deposition (LPD) using a silica/H 2 SiF 6 solution and a surfactant-stabilized solution of SWNTs. The thickness of the coating is dependent on the reaction mixture concentration and the reaction time. The SWNT core can be removed by thermolysis under oxidizing conditions to leave a silica nano fiber. It is interesting to note that the use of a surfactant is counter productive when using MWNTs and VGFs, in this case surface activation of the nanotube offers the suitable growth initiation. Pre-oxidation of the MWNT or VGF allows for uniform coatings to be deposited. The coated SWNTs, MWNTs, and VGFs can be subsequently reacted with suitable surface reagents to impart miscibility in aqueous solutions, guar gels, and organic matrixes. In addition to simple oxides, coated nanotubes have been prepared with minerals such as carbonates and semiconductors.
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