Comparison of structural properties of pristine and gamma irradiated single-wall carbon nanotubes: Effects of medium and irradiation dose

► Gamma irradiation causes SWCNT covalent functionalization. ► Type of covalently attached groups to SWCNT surface depends on irradiation medium. ► The SWCNT shortening level increases with applied irradiation dose. ► The average length of carbon nanotubes decreased by 50% at the highest dose. ► The diameter of SWCNT bundles becomes small as irradiation dose rises.