Preparation of Copper Composite Particles Inner-Embedded with Carbon Nanotubes

Using purification in a mixed acid, hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups were introduced on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Gelatin was used to disperse CNTs uniformly in the CuSO4 solution. CuO2 composite particles inner-embedded with CNTs (CNTs/CuO2) were obtained through reducing the Cu2+ with glucose in alkaline condition. Then copper composite particles inner-embedded with CNTs (CNTs/Cu) were formed using H2 as reducing agent. The morphology of the composite particles was observed by means of SEM and TEM. Phase analysis for the composite particles was performed using XRD. The results show that the particle size of the CNTs/Cu composites was several hundreds nanometers to several microns. There were burr-like CNTs uniformly distributed on the surface of every particle. The dispersion of the CNTs after purified in CuSO4 solution was improved, which made the purification of the composite particles and the dispersible uniformity of the CNTs in Cu particles better.