Oxygen/carbon ratio effects on surface-modified carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were functionalized using a simple method of heat treatment under oxygen atmosphere followed by an immersion in a tin nitrate aqueous solution. And well-dispersed SnOx nanodots were decorated on the surface of CNTs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that the O/C ratio increases with oxygen-treated time. The distribution of carbon-containing functional groups on the CNTs surface, i.e., C-C, C-O, C=O, O-C=O, and π-π*shake up bonds can be identified and deconvoluted by a symmetrical Gauss function. The contact angle of H 2O and CNTs is dependent on O/C ration. The relationships between the fraction of carbon-containing functional groups and various oxygen treatment times are also discussed. © (2008) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.