Correlation between carbon nanotube microstructure and their catalytic efficiency towards the p-coumaric acid degradation

Pristine and annealed multi-walled C nanotubes are preliminarily tested as catalysts towards the degradation of p-coumaric acid with better performances than the widely used activated carbon. In order to clarify the origin of their different catalytic efficiency, the samples are analysed by means of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoemission, reflection electron energy loss and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Chemical composition, mass density, bonding configurations and threefold- to fourfold-coordinated carbon bonding ratios are determined. The comparative discussion of the results obtained leads to attribute the higher catalytic activity of the pristine nanotubes to their larger sp2/sp3 carbon bonding fraction and greater amount of oxygen containing functional groups.

► MWCNTs were synthesized by chemical vapour deposition over iron catalyst.
► Chemical composition, mass density, threefold- to fourfold-coordinated carbon bonding ratios were investigated.
► MWCNTs are preliminarily tested as catalysts towards the degradation of p-coumaric acid.
► Catalytic activity is sensitive to carbon bonding fraction and to the amount of oxygen containing functional groups.