Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a common use as a nanostructured substrate to support and stabilize metal nanoparticles (MNPs), generating hybrid materials whose properties can be a combination of individual materials' properties, generate synergistic effects, or even manifest new properties. Recently, it was reported that the physical and chemical properties of these hybrid nanomaterials vary depending on where the MNPs are deposited in the CNTs. This review will cover area-selective deposition types of MNP in the internal cavity of CNTs (I), on the external walls of CNTs (II), and at the ends of CNTs (III). Various methods have been developed for coupling these two nanomaterials in the three mentioned configurations, and this contribution presents a compilation of the most effective and their main characteristics. In this review, the characterization techniques that allow corroborating each method's selectivity are also mentioned, highlighting the most precise techniques. Finally, the areas in which these hybrid nanomaterials are being used are mentioned, as well as some applications in which the selective coupling of these could be important.