Laser Induced Changes of the Raman Spectra of Pristine and Poly(&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;tert&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;-Butyl Acrylate) Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

Deokjin Yu,Charles W Blackledge,James P Wicksted

doi:10.4236/ojcm.2014.42014

Abstract

Pristine and poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PTBA) functionalized carbon nanotubes are continuously exposed to 2.41 eV laser irradiation while collecting Raman spectra. The loss of the intensity of the radial breathing modes (RBMs) of small metallic PTBA functionalized nanotubes is less than that of pristine nanotubes. A reduction of the intensity of the G− band of pristine SWNTs occurs such that the overall shape of the G band evolves to resemble that of the PTBA functionalized sample. Complementing the measurement of the ratio of intensities of the D and G bands, the laser-induced spectral changes provide another way to determine the sidewall functionalization of carbon nanotubes. The laser-induced changes of the G and RBM bands are consistent with the greater sidewall reactivity of small metallic nanotubes toward functionalization with PTBA and reaction with photosensitized oxygen.

Highlights

Carbon nanotubes have received attention due to their interesting structure and electronic, mechanical, heat conductive, and other physical properties
The functionalization of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PTBA) causes an increase of D and G bands (D/G) [2], and a decrease of subsequent laserinduced loss of intensity of radial breathing modes (RBMs) of small metallic SWNTs and the G− band
The RBMs of small metallic pristine SWNTs undergo a loss of intensity that has been previously attributed to laser-assisted oxidation [1]

Summary

Introduction

Carbon nanotubes have received attention due to their interesting structure and electronic, mechanical, heat conductive, and other physical properties. How to cite this paper: Yu, D., et al (2014) Laser Induced Changes of the Raman Spectra of Pristine and Poly(tert-Butyl Acrylate) Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes. Laser-induced losses of the higher frequency radial breathing modes (RBMs) of smaller SWNTs and the G− band of Raman spectra are compared and discussed for pristine and PTBA functionalized SWNTs. Complementing the measurement of the D/G ratio that is used as evidence of sidewall functionalization [2], the analysis of the spectral changes of the RBMs and G band provide a means to discriminate pristine and polymer functionalized carbon nanotubes

Results

Discussion

Conclusion