Analysis of Functional Group Sited on Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube Surface

ABSTRACT

Functionalization of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) plays an important role in creating CNT hybride material. In this study, integrated analysis of functional group sites on the pristine and modified Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) surface was comparably conducted to know the effect of acid solution on the surface after purification and functionalization process. Acid treatment removed rest of graphitic and residual catalytic metal particles and suffered degradation, such as nanotube shortening and additional defect generation in the graphitic network. Defects on the side wall due to functionalized group clearly shown in Transmission Electron Image (TEM) images cause a reduction in thermal stability. Functional group sited on the side wall was detected by Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) - Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) with the relative concentration of oxygen-containing functional groups determined by Boehm titration.