Multiwalled carbon nanotube wrapped hydroxyapatite, convenient synthesis via microwave assisted solid state metathesis

A rapid and convenient method is described for carbon nanotube (CNT) wrapping by in-situ hydroxyapatite (HA) formation via microwave (MW) assisted solid state metathesis reaction (SSM). The straightforward, solventless process requires no polyelectrolyte modification of CNTs and provides a uniform structure. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed the surprisingly better charge transfer for the synthesized composite in comparison with the pristine multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). The interactions with biomolecules as well as the high sorptivity of HA with improved electrical properties, make MWCNT wrapped HA nanohybrid a favorable electrochemical platform. The proposed composite is promising for sensor technology and bioelectronic devices. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.