Local “repristinization” of oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes by laser treatment

We prepared strongly oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes, with a dramatically improved dispersibility, and we performed a subsequent localized repristinization by means of laser-induced heating of the sample, during Raman analysis, consisting in both removal of the amorphous material and healing of structural defects. Our finding highlights an effect which all researchers in the field must be aware of, when using Raman spectroscopy for characterization purposes. Moreover, this local laser effect was systematically investigated in order to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon.