Oxidized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Removal of Carbonaceous Functionalized Material by Washing with Solvents or Base

Abstract

Oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been prepared following a widely reported two-step purification/oxidation procedure in the presence or absence of a treatment with base (NaOH). The oxidized nanotube samples washed with solvents or base appear close to identical with respect to both appearance and properties. Efficient removal of both metal and carbonaceous impurities and introduction of –COOH groups on the nanotube surface have been demonstrated by AFM, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. Furthermore, persistence of optical properties was confirmed using UV-vis/NIR absorption and NIR photoluminescence spectroscopies.

Silvia Giordani

Full Professor Chair of Nanomaterials

My research interests are in the design, synthesis, and characterization of hybrid smart nanomaterials for biomedical, energy and environmental applications