Synthesis and characterization of ZrO2 nanoparticles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes

We discuss the synthesis of a composite of ZrO2 nanoparticles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Using X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), the ZrO2 were found to be 2-3 nm tetragonal crystalline nanoparticles. Strong interfacial interaction between the ZrO2 nanoparticles and the MWCNT surface was observed by near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) at the carbon K-edge and the oxygen K-edge, and this strong metal-oxide/support interaction leads to small ZrO2 particle size and thermal stability, as verified by small-angle X-ray scattering results. The ZrO2/MWCNT was converted into a solid acid catalyst by sulfation and the properties of SZrO2/MWCNT were studied. Such composites would be good candidates for potential catalysis applications in fuel cell electrodes and biomass processing.