Au Nanofiber/CNT 1D/1D Composites Formed Via Redox Reaction at the Ionic Liquid/Water Interface

Au nanofiber/carbon nanotube (CNT) ₁D/₁D composites and Janus-type Au/CNT composites have been prepared by utilizing the liquid/liquid interface between water (W) and a hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL) as a redox reaction site. AuCl₄- in W is reduced at the IL/W interface where CNTs are adsorbed, by a reducing agent in the IL, leading to the formation of the Au/CNT composites. The Au/CNT composites are Janus-type in which Au microurchins and Au nanofibers are deposited on the W side and the IL side of the CNTs on the IL/W interface, respectively. Reversing the order of the CNT adsorption and AuCl₄- reduction results in the formation of the Au nanofiber/CNT composites, which are ₁D/₁D metal/carbon composites.