Abstract
Partial oxidation of nanocarbon materials is one of the most straightforward methods to improve their compatibility with other materials, which widens its application potential. This work studied how the microstructure and properties of high crystallinity single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) can be tailored by applying the modified Hummers method. The influence of temperature (0, 18, 40 °C), reaction time (0 min to 7 h), and the amount of KMnO4 oxidant was monitored. The results showed that depending on the oxidation conditions, the electronic characteristics of the material could be adjusted. After optimizing the parameters, the SWCNTs were much more conductive (1369 ± 84 S/cm with respect to 283 ± 32 S/cm for the untreated material). At the same time, the films made from them exhibited hydrophilic character of the surface (water contact angle changed from 71° to 27°).
Highlights
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have a unique combination of properties, which has kept them at the forefront of research for the past decades
The D band reflects the level of imperfection in the single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in the form of sp3-hybridized carbon atoms, which can be used to gauge the extent of chemical m odification[43]
One may note that the recorded values for the films are slightly lower than for the parent SWCNT material used to make them. This is because high-temperature annealing used to remove the ethyl cellulose (EC) binder may detach a part of the functional groups from the SWCNT side wall[60], decreasing the ID/IG ratios
Summary
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have a unique combination of properties, which has kept them at the forefront of research for the past decades. To better understand the oxidation mechanism by the modified Hummers method, we decided to study how different ratios of KMnO4 to SWCNTs affect the crystallinity of the product (Fig. 1b). Because XPS gives a more accurate description of functional groups on the s urface[53], it was employed (Fig. 4) for two model samples: pure SWCNT film and the film after the oxidative treatment for a short time but at a high oxidant amount (KMnO4/SWCNT = 7.5x, T = 18 °C and t = 0 min).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
