Preparation and application of N-doped carbon nanotube arrays on graphene fibers

A new kind of carbon hybrid material with a unique structure and outstanding mechanical and functional properties is reported in this article. Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays with inside located Ni particles are in situ grown on the surface of phenolic carbon modified graphene fibers during their conversion from graphene oxide fibers. The carbon hybrid fibers exhibit not only high tensile strength and elongation at the break, but also excellent flexibility since the CNT arrays cover all the surface of the highly strong graphene fiber. This well-constructed carbon material would be suitable for catalysts, polymer composites, hydrogen storage, oxygen reduction reaction etc.