RETRACTED: Fast functionalization of vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes using oxygen plasma

Abstract

This work studied oxygen plasma treatment, at different times, on vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube (VACNT) surfaces using the pulsed-discharge plasma technique. As-grown VACNT surfaces were superhydrophobic. Pure oxygen plasma etching modified VACNT surfaces to get a superhydrophilic behavior after only 2 min. Contact angle and surface energy measurements by the sessile drop method examined the VACNT surface wetting. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy showed the heavy grafting of oxygen-groups onto VACNT surfaces after oxygen plasma etching. The results showed the great influence of polar groups on wetting behavior, with a strong correlation between the polar part of the surface energy and the oxygen content on the VACNT surfaces. These findings proved that oxygen plasma etching is a rapid and efficient method for functionalization of VACNT surfaces.