Electrocatalytic properties of carbon nanotube carpets grown on Si-wafers

Electrocatalytical activity of carbon nanotube carpets grown on oxidized silicon wafers by spray pyrolysis catalytic chemical vapor deposition has been examined for use in electrochemical devices. To determine the influence of electron donor doping on electrochemical quality, N-atoms were incorporated into the nanotube structure during growth. N-doping, as revealed by electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction data, led to essential changes of the tubule morphology and structure. For the electrochemical investigation of the carbon nanotube electrodes produced, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used, while ferrocene (FeCp2)(FeCp2) and uric acid served as reference redox systems. Results have revealed enhanced electron transfer kinetics on the N-doped electrodes. The electronic band structure of carbon nanotubes and electrochemical gating are shown to be responsible for the charge transfer kinetics on nanotube electrodes.

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► Carbon nanotubes grown on Si/SiO2 are efficient electrodes in electrochemistry.
► The nanotube growth fed with acetonitrile leads to strong N-doping.
► Donor states enhance the electron transfer in carbon nanotube/electrolyte interface.