Catalytic oxidation of carbon nanotubes with noble metal nanoparticles

•Catalytic oxidation of multi-walled nanotubes was observed in situ by E-TEM.•Catalytic activities of some noble metals were caught visually.•Graphitic edge of nanotubes was easily decomposed to gas phase.

Catalytic oxidation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNCTs) with some noble metal nanoparticles was observed by environmental transmission electron microscopy (E-TEM). Amoeba-like movement of the nanoparticles was observed even at a temperature of ∼400 °C, which is much lower than the melting points of any of the metals. In particular, rhodium particles reacted intensely with MWCNTs, and assumed a droplet-like shape. On the other hand, gold particles caused very little erosion of the MWCNTs under the conditions of this study.