Gas-phase surface functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with vacuum UV photo-oxidation

Authors: Krysak, M.¹; Parekh, B.¹; Debies, T.²; Dileo, R.A.³; Landi, B.J.³; Raffaelle, R.P.³; Takacs, G.A.¹

Source: Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, Volume 21, Number 10, 2007 , pp. 999-1007(9)

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Abstract:

For bulk processing of carbon nanotubes, an important first step in adhesion to the nanotubes is often liquid-phase functionalization through chemical oxidation with acids (e.g., nitric and sulfuric), peroxides and/or potassium permanganate. In comparison, gas-phase photo-oxidation can be an alternative to introduce oxygenated functional groups on the surfaces of carbon nanotubes without the generation of liquid waste. In the present study, vacuum UV photo-oxidation of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) paper was investigated downstream from an Ar microwave plasma. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was used to detect the carbon- and oxygen-containing functional groups in the top 2-5 nm of the sample's surface. The current results are compared to previous investigations using MWNT powder and single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) paper showing decreased levels of oxidation in MWNT samples.

Keywords: CARBON NANOTUBES; VACUUM UV; PHOTO-OXIDATION; XPS; SURFACE FUNCTIONALIZATION

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156856107781393893

Affiliations: 1: Department of Chemistry, Center for Materials Science and Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA 2: Xerox Corporation, Webster, NY 14580, USA 3: NanoPower Research Labs, RIT, Rochester, NY 14623, USA

Publication date: 2007-07-01