Hosseininasab S., Faucheux N., Soucy G., Tavares J.R.
polytechnique montreal, CA
Keywords: photo-initiated chemical vapor deposition, photo-initiator, polymerization, syngas
single wall Carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have various individual properties. These individual properties make them promising candidates for a wide range of applications, but their inherent hydrophobicity are the most challenging features for them. we propose a novel method to functionalize SWCNTs. A photo-initiated chemical vapor deposition (PICVD) reactor utilizing two UVC lamps was used. Purified SWCNT deposited on a glass substrate were treated by PICVD using syngas, along with small quantities of hydrogen peroxide. Surface wetting was assessed through sessile drop contact angle measurements for raw SWCNT (R-SWCNT), purified SWCNT (P-SWCNT) and treated SWCNT (T-SWCNT) (Figure 2). The average contact angle of R-SWCNT and P-SWCNT samples was 144±1.2° and 79±2.8°, respectively while this value for T-SWCNTs was less than 5°. This modification was achieved by adding oxygen-containing groups such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. Full surveys for all samples obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are presented in Figure 3. The XPS results showed that ratio of oxygen to carbon of P-SWCNT increased compared to R-SWCNT. This increase was because of oxidation of SWCNTs by acid used for their purification. Another increase in this ratio for T-SWCNT compared to P-SWCNT revealed successful deposition of oxygen-containing groups on the SWCNTs.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Advanced Materials: TechConnect Briefs 2015
Published: June 14, 2015
Pages: 506 - 509
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications
ISBN: 978-1-4987-4727-1