The oxidation kinetics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The kinetics of isothermal oxidation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in air has been investigated in the experimental range of 573–823 K using thermogravimetry. The results show that the oxidation of MWNTs is both chemically controlled and diffusion controlled depending on the temperature range. Chou’s model has been applied to treat the oxidation behavior of MWNTs and the comparison of the experimental data with the theoretical ones validates the applicability of the model. This model offers a quantitative expression for the weight loss as a function of time at constant temperature conditions. The possible mechanism for oxidation has also been discussed briefly.