Fabrication and electrochemical characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes film on a titanium mesh electrode

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were dispersed into polyimide (PI) by mechanical ball milling. A titanium mesh electrode was covered by the multi-walled carbon nanotubes film. The MWNT - PI film was etched and amidated to get active, homogeneous and stable interface with carbon nanotubes rooted in polyimide. The morphology of the resulting MWNT - PI film was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The electrochemical activity of MWNTs film on a titanium mesh electrode was investigated in Cu2+ solution by cyclic voltammetry study. In contrast to bare electrode and unetched film electrode, the etched MWNTs film has better electrochemical performance. Trace phenol in water has been determined by the MWNTs film. MWNTs work as electro-catalyst when phenol was oxidized.