In situ growth of carbon nanotubes on inorganic fibers with different surface properties

A simple floating catalyst method was used to produce carbon nanotube (CNT) carpets or arrays, tens of micrometers in length on the host inorganic fibers (aluminum silicate or quartz fibers), to form a CNT-inorganic oxide coaxial fiber or brush structure. The insulating inorganic oxide fiber had been changed into an electrical conducting material with a volume resistance of 2–6 Ω cm. The differences in density, length and straightness of the CNTs on different fibers were mainly attributed to the acidic surface properties of the aluminum silicate and quartz fibers.