Synthesis and characterisation of modified carbon nanotubes with potassium salts of the monosubstituted Keggin polyoxometalates

A novel hybrid of potassium salts of the monosubstituted Keggin polyoxometalates/carbon nanotube nanocomposite is synthesised. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesised by the catalytic chemical vapour deposition method. The characterisation of the materials by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, shows that the functionalisation of MWCNTs by potassium salts of the monosubstituted Keggin polyoxometalates was successfully achieved via the impregnation method in both endohedral and exohedral forms. Theoretical studies for the covalent conjugation of Keggin polyoxometalates to carbon nanotubes, showed that the functionalisation of MWCNTs by some groups such as COOH and OH is required.