Synthesis of Co Filled Carbon Nanotubes by In Situ Reduction of CoCl2 Filled Nanotubes by NaBH4

An alternative process of filling the multiwall nanotubes (MWCNTs) with cobalt metal was developed. Empty core of nanotubes was first filled with CoCl2 by stirring with CoCl2 and alcohol at room temperature for six hours. CoCl2 filling inside MWCNTs was then converted into Co after treating with NaBH4 at room temperature. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) studies showed the filling of the CoCl2 and Co inside the nanotubes before and after the treatment. EDX studies show the nonexistence of chlorine after the reduction with NaBH4. Amount of filling was also reduced after the treatment. Paper describes the possible mechanism of filling CoCl2 inside nanotube and its reduction by NaBH4.