X-ray absorption near-edge structure and photoelectron spectroscopy of single-walled carbon nanotubes modified by a HBr solution

X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) have been used to investigate single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) modified by immersion in a HBr solution at room temperature. After treatment XANES spectra of SWNTs show a new pronounced feature, which has been assigned to new bonds between the sidewall of the SWNTs and Br atoms. This investigation demonstrates the unique capabilities of the XANES spectroscopy as a tool to achieve structural and bonding information of carbon nanotubes induced by chemical processes.