Growth of copper nanoparticles within VO_x nanotubes

摘要

The synthesis of new Cu-VO_v nanotubes has been achieved by exchanging a Cu(II) salt against the protonated template in the parent dodecylamine-VO_x nanotubes. The intercalation of Cu(II) species induces some significant morphological and structural changes within the material, but the tubular shape is still well preserved. Controlled thermolysis under nitrogen of the Cu(II) species initially dispersed within the multiwalls induces the growth and sintering of copper nanoparticles, which are formed without destroying the tubular morphology of the host carrier.