Surface characterization of acid-oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) oxidized with sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and the mixture of sulfuric and nitric acids were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The TGA data showed that the MWNTs were more resistant to oxidation than C₆₀ or activated carbon fibers. Catalyst particles could be removed by the oxidants containing sulfuric acid, and thus indicative of the tip opening of MWNTs. The sulfuric acid had a propensity to create defect sites and introduce the surface oxides at those defects that already exist or be newly generated on MWNTs. However, the acid mixture could open the caps of MWNTs but preserve the structure homogeneity. The treatment with nitric acid gave rise to the highest bulk oxygen content in MWNTs, while the most abundant surface oxides were provided by sulfuric acid oxidation. In addition, nitric acid exhibited the best ability to transform the phenolic groups into carboxyl groups.

Keywords:

• carbon nanotubes
• oxidation
• Raman spectroscopy
• X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Science Council (NSC 93-2211-E-155-003), Taiwan, ROC. The authors also thank the Yuan Ze Fuel Cell Center for the support of experimental instruments used in this study.