Pore characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified by KOH

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were modified by KOH in order to obtain high surface area with micropores. Pore characterization of modified MWNTs was performed with the observation of adsorption-desorption isotherms of N2. According to the modification temperature of MWNTs increases, the specific surface area of MWNTs increases from 407 to 650 m2 g−1, on the other hand, the average pore width decreases from 2.77 to 2.13 nm. The isosteric heat value (qst, ϕ = 1/e) of modified MWNTs increased with the rise of modification temperature. The qst, ϕ = 1/e of MWNTs increased in inverse proportion to the average pore width (w) and depended on the pore width.