Comparison of selected oxidative methods for carbon nanotubes: structure and functionalization study

Abstract

Alterations induced by oxidative functionalization treatments of commercially available multi- wall carbon nanotubes Nanocyl NC7000 using HNO3, KMnO4, H2O2, H2SO4 and NaOCl was studied. The efficiency of used oxidizers at different concentrations and temperature was evaluated, using analytical methods for structural analysis (FTIR and Raman spectroscopy) and carbon phase analysis. The interpretation of obtained results contains the level of oxidation, functional groups presence and metallic impurities removal. Suggestions for selection of the treatments to fulfill tailored needs for the final product are included.