Controlled decoration of carbon nanotubes with nanoparticles

We present an efficient gas-phase route to decorate both single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes with nanoparticles based on electrostatic force directed assembly. We show that, in addition to an intrinsic nanoparticle size selection, the packing density and the final size distribution of nanoparticles docking on nanotubes can be controlled during the assembly process. Our method enables in situ coating of nanotubes with nanoparticles. Due to the inherent material-independent nature of the electrostatic force, various compositions of such nanoparticle–nanotube structures can be produced using this new technique. These novel structures will enable new opportunities for exploring nanoscience, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.