The modern approach to manufacturing of carbon-rhenium nanocomposites

Purpose The aim of the paper is to present the high-temperature method of producing MWCNTs-Re nanocomposites, the selection of satisfactory production conditions and the presentation of the results of microscopic and spectroscopic studies of nanocomposites produced by this method. Design/methodology/approach Two methods of manufacturing carbon-rhenium nanocomposites were tested: ineffective chemical synthesis and high-temperature reduction using H2, which was proven successful and allowed the production of nanocomposites with the expected properties. The received nanocomposites were investigated using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), as well as were subjected to spectroscopic examination. Findings The article presents three steps of MWCNTs-Re nanocomposites fabrication using the high-temperature method, functionalization, impregnation and reduction. As part of own work, satisfactory conditions for producing those nanocomposites using a materials science and heuristic analysis were selected. Research limitations/implications The proposed high-temperature method allows to join rhenium nanoparticles with MWCNTs permanently. It is reasonable to test in the future whether the method is also effective for other carbon nanomaterials and/or nanoparticles of other metals. Practical implications MWCNTs-Re nanocomposites can be used as sensors of gases that are harmful to the environment. It was also confirmed that the MWCNTs-Re_4 nanocomposite has catalytic properties. Originality/value The paper presents a modern approach to the manufacturing of MWCNTs-Re nanocomposites, which assumes the use of a high-temperature furnace to heat the material in a hydrogen atmosphere.