A study of the functionalization on multi-walled carbon nanotubes

A facile approach to the surface oxidation of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) is presented using oxidation solution to decorating MWCNTs, sonication to promote this effect and increase the population density of surface oxide groups. The sonication short time for MWCNTs oxidation /functionalization is desirable for minimizing structural damage to the MWCNTs that could lead to changes in their properties. The measurement results of XPS, IR and Raman spectrum have verified that a great lot of functional groups had been decorated on MWCNTs. During the MWCNTs oxidation, the hydroxy, carbonyl and carboxy formed on the surface of MWCNTs. MWCNTs treated in the nitric and sulfuric acids had more functional groups than MWCNTs treated in hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acids.