Synthesis and Catalytic Studies of Uniform Os &; Os–Pd Nanoparticles Supported on MWNTs

Os and Os–Pd nanoparticles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes were prepared by vacuum pyrolysis at 573 K using the Os₃CO₁₀(NCMe)₂] and Pd(acac)₂] as precursors. The nanoparticles prepared showed a narrow size distribution (Os: 1.8 nm; Os–Pd: 4.3 nm) and were decorated evenly on the surface of the nanotubes. By controlling the metal-to-nanotube ratio, Os nanotubes were prepared using the carbon nanotubes as a template. The catalysis of Os–Pd nanoparticles towards CVD carbon nanotube synthesis was studied. Dedicated to Professor Gunther Schmid on the occasion of his 70th birthday.