LAUSR

Abstract Carbon nanotubes constitute a unique class of materials with intriguing properties related to their structure. In most cases, their effective use requires a change in their surface chemistry. The most common functionalization is oxidation, introducing oxygen-based groups onto the outer tube walls. As reported herein, such functionalization can be achieved conveniently by means of cold plasma (CP) discharge driven by high voltage nanosecond pulses (NSP), which offers a rapid, controllable, non-wet and less destructive process compared to the chemical treatment method (e.g. with nitric acid). It is notable that compared to other plasma discharge types (e.g. AC-driven), the energy efficiency of the NSP is seriously increased showing the potential for industrial grade processing. MWCNT were treated under various CP operational parameters and thoroughly characterized in terms of surface elemental composition, morphological and physicochemical properties. Despite the validation of the successful modification, a correlation is made between the CP treatment time and pulse voltage with the final degree and type of functionalization, as well as the overall properties of the materials. The combinatorial interpretation of the obtained characterization data allowed a deeper understanding of the functionalization mechanism and showed the possibility to control the amount and type of functionality to suit the application.