| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1786778 | Current Applied Physics | 2013 | 5 Pages |
Pristine and annealed multi-walled C nanotubes are preliminarily tested as catalysts towards the degradation of p-coumaric acid with better performances than the widely used activated carbon. In order to clarify the origin of their different catalytic efficiency, the samples are analysed by means of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoemission, reflection electron energy loss and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Chemical composition, mass density, bonding configurations and threefold- to fourfold-coordinated carbon bonding ratios are determined. The comparative discussion of the results obtained leads to attribute the higher catalytic activity of the pristine nanotubes to their larger sp2/sp3 carbon bonding fraction and greater amount of oxygen containing functional groups.
► MWCNTs were synthesized by chemical vapour deposition over iron catalyst. ► Chemical composition, mass density, threefold- to fourfold-coordinated carbon bonding ratios were investigated. ► MWCNTs are preliminarily tested as catalysts towards the degradation of p-coumaric acid. ► Catalytic activity is sensitive to carbon bonding fraction and to the amount of oxygen containing functional groups.
