The reaction of lithium metal vapor with single walled carbon nanotubes of large diameters

Abstract

AbstractRaman spectroscopy was used to evaluate the effect of lithium vapor on single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) having diameters from 1.2 to 1.6 nm. The Raman spectra were excited by five different laser lines. A strong doping of SWCNTs after the reaction with Li vapor was confirmed by the corresponding attenuation of the Raman signal. The relative intensities and frequencies of the radial breathing mode of the Li vapor treated SWCNT were recovered after subsequent reaction with water. Our data demonstrate that the reaction of Li with large diameter SWCNTs is reversible, which is different from previous results showing irreversible changes for SWCNT samples containing both large diameter and small diameter tubes. The subsequent in situ Raman spectroelectrochemical measurement of our sample confirmed that after water treatment of the Li etched sample there is no significant residual doping of the SWCNT sample.