Methods of treatment and functionalization of carbon nanotubes

Abstract

This work is aimed on studying alterations induced by oxidative functionalization treatments of commercially available carbon nanotubes Nanocyl NC7000 using oxidative agents and resistance to these treatments; aiming to further tune their physicochemical properties and dispersibility. Nitric acid, potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid and sodium hypochlorite are chosen as representatives of commonly used oxidizers. Their efficiency is studied in different conditions, concretely concentration and temperature, by well-established analytical methods (SEM, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy). Additional carbon phase analysis is employed to obtain more detailed information of samples, as this little used method is capable to replace commonly used TGA. The interpretation of acquired results contains the level of oxidation, functional groups present and metallic impurities removal. Suggestions for selecting specific treatments to fulfill one’s demands about final product are also included.