MWCNTs-Pt versus MWCNTs-Re nanocomposites manufacturing method

Purpose: The primary aim of the article is to compare fabrication methods and present newly fabricated MWCNTs-NPs nanocomposites whose structural components are carbon nanotubes and platinum and rhenium nanoparticles. Design/methodology/approach: The newly fabricated nanocomposites underwent STEM examinations in the bright and dark to show their structure. Raman spectroscopy examinations were carried out, as well, to confirm changes in the structure of carbon nanotubes subject to the experiments. Findings: It was found based on a comparative analysis of the structure of MWCNTs-Pt and MWCNTs-Re nanocomposites that functionalisation methods and a reduction method of precursors of selected noble elements have a significant effect on the structure and morphology of the compared carbon nanocomposites. Practical implications: Nanocomposites consisting of carbon nanotubes decorated with metal nanoparticles, including Pt and Re, possess special electrical properties and a developed specific area, which makes them particularly suitable as active elements of industrial gas sensors. The materials can also be used as biosensors and catalysts in the future. Originality/value: A comparative analysis of the following author’s methods: (i) fabrication of MWCNTs-Pt nanocomposite, which was given numerous awards at international innovation and invention exhibitions and (ii) fabrication of MWCNTs-Re nanocomposite pending patent protection.