Modification of carbon nanotubes by an ion beam of argon

Abstract

By Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy has been studied the effect of an argon ion beam with energy of 5 keV and various fluences (1·1016 and 5·1016 ion/cm2) on the morphology, structure, and chemical state of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). It has been established that irradiation of MWCNTs with argon ions leads to the formation of structural defects and functional oxygen-containing groups of various types (hydroxyl, carboxyl / carbonyl, ether, etc.). It is shown that an increase in the fluence of the beam leads to an increase in the number of functional groups fixed on the walls of the MWCNTs, without changing the types of oxygen-containing groups. It is shown that modification by ion-beam action is promising for increasing the chemical activity and changing the electronic properties of the outer walls of MWCNTs.