Preparation and characterization of alumina/carbon nanotubes composites

Alumina/carbon nanotubes composites were prepared by precipitating Al(OH)(3) continuously on the surface of carbon nanotubes modified by PVA, and subsequently calcinated at 500 degrees C for 2 h in nitrogen atmosphere. TEM, TG, DTA, XRD, IR and nitrogen adsorption/desorption (specific surface area and pore structure analysis) were used to characterize the products. The results show that alumina can not combine on the surface of carbon nanotubes not modified by PVA. A continuous PVA film will be formed on the PVA modified carbon nanotubes, thus Al(OH)(3) could precipitate on the surface of carbon nanotubes and form a continuous layer.