Synthesis of graphene-CNT hybrids via joule heating: Structural characterization and electrical transport

Graphene-CNT (G/CNT) hybrids were formed via in situ joule heating inside a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The formation of the G/CNT structure was suggested to be induced by the sequential and spontaneous unzipping of the outmost wall of the multi-walled CNT under uniformly thermal etching and voltage pulse of 0.2-1 V. The conductance of the G/CNT hybrids show a significantly change (up to 38 times) after decorated with CdTe quantum dots. Our results suggest the potential use of the G/CNT hybrids for high-sensitivity detections, as well as super capacitors or catalyst matrices given their large specific surface areas.