A comparison of effects of plasma and acid functionalizations on structure and electrical property of multi-wall carbon nanotubes

- MWCNTs were functionalized by DBD discharge plasma in air, CO2 and He (followed by exposure to NH3) and also by refluxing in concentrated nitric acid.
- The influence of these various treatments on structure and electrical properties of the carbon nanotubes was investigated.
- The nitric acid treatment significantly destroys the graphitic structure of the nanotubes and shortens them while the plasma treatments have very little damaging effects on the structure.
- The acid treatment also increases the electrical surface resistivity of the nanotube buckypapers while the plasma treatments do not change it considerably.