A novel processing method for making the CNTs-Alumina nanocomposite was developed, through plasma surface modification and low temperature ambient pressure sintering. Sintering of the plasma treated CNTs-Alumina nanocomposite resulted in a density greater than 95%. The surfaces and interfacial structures of coated and uncoated nanoparticles were studied by electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the CNTs-Alumina nanocomposite were characterized. The underlying bonding mechanisms at the interfaces were identified for the consolidated bulk materials.
A novel design of CNT surface structures coupled with quantum dots for in vivo imaging was developed. The plasma polymerization method was employed to deposit functional groups on CNT, with which quantum dots were effectively conjugated. The structural and optical properties of CNT-QD conjugation were characterized by electron microscopy and luminescence spectroscopy. Using both under skin and intravenous injection of CNT-QD, the intensive fluorescence imaging of deep tissues and organs were achieved under the in vivo conditions.