Modification of carbon nanotubes by laser ablation

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were modified by laser ablation of Cu, Ti and TiN in the presence of He, O2 and N2 buffer gases. The sizes of Cu, TiO2 and TiN particles and their agglomerated structures were varied dependent on types of the particles and surface properties of MWNTs. An ultrasonication treatment of as-grown MWNTs was very effective to attach the agglomerated nanoparticles to MWNTs. We discuss the distribution and morphology of the particles from the arrival of clusters and nanoparticles formed in gas-phase and the surface properties of MWNTs.