Functionalization of Multi Wall Carbon Nanotubes Using Nitric Acid Oxidation

Functionalized of Multi Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) were demonstrated using the nitric acid (HNO3) oxidation technique in order to get opened caps, removing carbonaceous and metal particles impurities for carboxylic groups (-COOH). The surface morphology and the existence of the carboxyl-group on the MWCNTs were examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively. The carboxylic groups were observed at the peak of 1640.40cm-1via FTIR and indicate the absorbance intensity of the functionalized MWCNTs is 2.22 A which is higher than raw material. Furthermore, SEM image shows the bundle of structure on the raw MWCNTs signified the Van der Waals interaction between MWCNTs while after functionalized a groovy CNTs wall were observed due to presence of carboxyl group at the defect sites.