Fluorination of single-walled carbon nanotube: The effects of fluorine on structural and electrical properties

The surfaces of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) are fluorinated at room temperature to examine their structural and electrical properties after fluorination. Fluorine functional groups are introduced on the surfaces of SWCNT via direct fluorination. The structural properties of the fluorinated SWCNT indicate that the number of defects increases due to the carbon to fluorine bond formation and that the fluorine radicals have an etching effect on the SWCNT. Thus, the structural changes of SWCNT caused by fluorination include increased diameters and changes in chirality. In addition, the conductivity of the SWCNT decreases due to the formation of carbon to fluorine bonds that prohibit the pi electron activity in SWCNT.

Graphical abstractFluorination of SWCNTs could change their surficial, structural, and electrical properties.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide