Electron microscopy of single-wall carbon nanotubes-polymer-Pt(Ru) composite materials

A Pt(Ru)/poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA)/single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composite structure is investigated via high-resolution electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The functionalized SWCNT structure is visualized. It is demonstrated that the polymer envelops nanotube bundles and is attached to their walls. The PDDA is predominantly fixed by combining with nitrogen ions with carbon. Metallic nanoparticles of the composite material manifest themselves as clusters located along SWCNTs, individual particles, and their small agglomerates. The catalytic activity of the given composite inherent to oxidation reactions is explained by the hyperactivity of monolayers and the stepped structure of the nanoparticle surfaces.