Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes Using Atomic Hydrogen from a Glow Discharge

We have functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with atomic hydrogen generated in a cold plasma. A band at 2924 cm-1 (3.4 μm), characteristic of the C−H stretching mode, is observed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Additional confirmation of functionalization is provided by irradiating with atomic deuterium. A band in the region 1940 cm-1 (5.2 μm) to 2450 cm-1 (4.1 μm) corresponding to the C−D stretching mode is confirmed and another weak band in the region 1050 cm-1 (9.5 μm) to 1300 cm-1 (7.7 μm) corresponding to C−D bending mode is also seen. Our approach using a glow discharge provides a clean gas-phase process to functionalize SWNTs for further application development.