In-situ synthesis of palladium nanoparticles-filled carbon nanotubes using arc-discharge in solution

A unique, simple, inexpensive and one-step synthesis route of carbon nanotubes (CNT) supported palladium nanoparticles using a simplified arc-discharge in solution is reported. Palladium nanoparticles with 3 nm diameter were found to form during reduction of palladium tetra-chloro-square-planar complex. Pd-nanoparticles were simultaneously encapsulated in CNTs during the rolling of graphene sheets in the arc-discharge process. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy suggests no functionalization of chlorine to the sidewall of CNTs. Study of High Resolution Transmission Electron microscopy supports the scroll mechanism for CNT formation.