High Electronic Conductivity and Air Stability of Ultrasmall Copper-Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Pyridine-Based Polybenzimidazole Carbon Nanotube Composite

The development of synthetic methods of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) on conductive supports is very challenging and receives much attention. Here, we describe a novel technique to grow stable and uniform metallic Cu-NPs homogeneously on the surface of pristine multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNTs) catalyst support physically functionalized with a pyridine-based polybenzimidazole (PyPBI) polymer that acts as a ligand to capture the Cu-NPs. Cu-metal nanoparticles with a particle size of 5.0±0.5 nm were obtained on the surface of MWNTs with homogenous and uniform distribution. The newly prepared Cu-NPs show a remarkably enhanced air stability and electrical conductivity, compared to the current state of the art Cu-NPs, over 20 days and 500 potential cycles, respectively, with a limited degradation rate of Cu-metallic state. The PyPBI polymer plays an essential role in the stability of Cu-NPs on the surface of MWNTs through coordination with PyPBI, suppressing the Cu-degradation process, which usually decreases the Cu application efficiency. Accordingly, the prospects of applications of the present Cu-NPs composite are excellent.