Novel and facile aluminum foil-based reduction of oxidized MWCNTs to hybrid MWCNTs and graphene nanosheet oxides

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) originating from plastic waste were oxidized to form multiwalled carbon nanotube oxides (MWCNTOs) and subsequently reduced using aluminium foil (Al foil) via nascent hydrogen, yielding a hybrid structure of nanotubes, graphene nanosheets, and oxide groups, termed MWCNTs_rGNSOs. The reduction of the MWCNTOs materials was facilitated by nascent hydrogen generated from the reaction between Al foil and HCl, yielding a reduced structure. Unlike most approaches where MWCNTs and graphene are separately purchased, functionalized, and combined, our cost-effective and scalable two-step method produces a unique hybrid, enhancing sustainability. The synthesized materials were characterized by FESEM, UV–VIS, FTIR, and XRD to confirm morphological, structural, and crystallographic transformations, while dispersion studies revealed excellent stability owing to the presence of functional groups. These features position MWCNTs_rGNSOs as a promising material for applications in supercapacitors, batteries, water purification, and advanced composites, demonstrating both scientific significance and practical potential. • Plastic waste derived MWCNTs were converted to oxidized form. • Aluminum foil was used as a reducing agent. • MWCNTOs coated Al foil and with Al balls were analyzed for reduction reaction. • Nascent Hydrogen based reduction occurred. • Resultant powder sample contains residue of MWCNTs, graphene nano sheets, and oxide groups.