An investigation of zirconium oxide particles supported on carbon nanotubes

ZrO2 nanoparticles supported on CNTs were prepared by adding CNTs in liquid-disposition process. The TEM photo showed that CNTs and ZrO2 nanoparticles would be separated from each other without the surfactant and be connected well when the surfactant was absorbed on the surface of CNTs. The zeta potential of the CNTs in the solution revealed that the surfactant could help them weltering the aquatic phase and enhance the stability of their dispersion. The surfactant had also functioned as bridges, which hydrophilic groups were jointed with the ZrO2 nanoparticles, and which hydrophobic chains were adhered to the surface of the carbon nanotubes, so the ZrO2 nanoparticles were supported on the surface of the carbon nanotubes through the surfactant.