Synthesis of Multishell Carbon Nanotube Composites via Template Method

Multishell nanotubes of polyaniline and carbon were synthesized via a template approach. A thin layer of MnO₂ coated on carbon nanotubes acts as a reactive template for the consequent formation of the polyaniline coating. The polyaniline-carbon nanotubes show enhanced dispersibility in water and can be possibly used as a functional material of electrochemical capacitors with improved performance. The general method operates by coating carbon nanotubes on functional materials such as poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), polypyrrole, silica, and carbon.