Decoration of carbon nanotubes

Applications of carbon nanotubes , a unique material, are limited by the relative inertness of the carbon surface. A general method of overcoming this is proposed in which the surface is preoxidized, producing various groups on the surface. These surface groups then act as nucleation points. For example, in the electroless plating reaction the surface of the nanotubes becomes decorated with silver particles (see figure). magnified image