Inducing structural defects in multi-walled carbon nanotubes by biological oxidation

Abstract

In this study, carbon-nanotubes (CNTs) resistant soil bacteria were utilized to induce biotransformation in engineered multiwalled-carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). It was observed that the CNTs-resistant bacteria upon interaction with engineered MWCNTs lead to their partial degradation. Raman spectra of bio-transformed-MWCNTs revealed increased intensity ratio of ID/IG with subsequent formation of C−O−H, C=O and COOH groups on the outer walls of nanotubes. Our results demonstrate a low-cost modification of MWCNTs by resistant bacteria to induce structural defects that potentially useful for industrial applications.