Sonochemical decoration of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with nanocrystalline tin

A simple sonication route to decorate multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with crystalline tin nanoparticles is reported. The sonication process results in a uniform decoration of nanoparticles over the entire outer surface of the nanotubes. Acid-treated MWCNTs were exposed to ultrasonic radiation in a solution of SnCl₂ in ethylene glycol under an N₂ atmosphere. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The decoration is composed of metallic tin nanocrystals of size less than 5 nm. This technique is suggested as a general versatile method for decorating carbon nanotubes with other nanoparticles.