Improving the surface properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes after irradiation with gamma rays

► Surface properties of irradiated MWCNTs were studied by different doses of γ ray. ► The results showed that γ irradiation affected the structure and morphology of MWCNTs. ► Irradiated MWCNTs exhibited a larger specific surface area compared with the raw MWCNTs. ► γ irradiation with the absorbed dose of 150 kGy destroyed the nanostructure of carbons.