Single-step route to diamond-nanotube composite.

Candle wax was used as a precursor for the production of a diamond-nanotube composite in a single step. The composite films were fabricated by sulfur-assisted hot-filament chemical vapor deposition technique. The morphology of the composite films was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Raman spectra of the films show characteristic diamond band at 1,332 cm-1, D-band around 1,342 cm-1, and graphitic G-band around 1,582 cm-1. The electron energy-loss spectroscopy recorded at the carbon K-edge region shows signature features of diamond and carbon nanotube in the fabricated material. The ability to synthesize diamond-nanotube composites at relatively low temperatures by a single-step process opens up new possibilities for the fabrication of nanoelectronic devices.