Abstract
Arrays of multiwalled carbon nanotubes doped with phosphorous and nitrogen are
synthesized using a solution of ferrocene and triphenyl-phosphine in benzylamine in conjunction with spray pyrolysis. We demonstrate that iron phosphide (Fe3P)
nanoparticles act as catalysts during nanotube growth, leading to the formation of novel PN-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The samples produced were examined by SEM, HRTEM and STEM, as well as high-resolution elemental analyses using EELS and EDX spectroscopy, and their chemical stability was explored by means of thermogravimetric analysis in the presence of oxygen. The results reveal striking differences when compared to other types of doped nanotubes. These types of hetero-doped nanotubes with the underlying theory and synthesis are predicted to offer great opportunities in the fabrication of fast responsive chemical sensors.
