Carbon Nanotube-Inorganic Hybrids

A new class of hybrid materials made from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and inorganic glasses of ceramics, CNT-inorganic hybrids, was reviewed. Most hybrid materials tested for applications have been produced simply by mechanically mixing the compounds or by growing the inorganic material on pristine CNTs, both of which often resulted in irregular and partial coatings and thus a poor interface. An increased interfacial area and a uniform coating can considerably improve the performance of the hybrid materials. This can be achieved with a variety of synthesis techniques by modifying the surface chemistry by covalent or noncovalent means or by using ionic polymers as glue. The design of the functionality of the inorganic component may involve layer-by-layer or core-shell structures of mixed inorganic compounds as well as complex structures and electronically modified materials. Finally, a successful application of CNT-inorganic hybrids and their implementation into the market requires a strong improvement in methodology to ensure reproducibility and better understanding of the structure-property relationship.