Preparation and modification of well-aligned CNTs grown on AAO template

Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template was prepared by a two-step anodization method and cobalt particles were carefully deposited at the bottom of pores of the template. CVD method was used to grow carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the template with this cobalt as catalyst and C2H2 as carbon source. Well-aligned carbon nanotubes were obtained perpendicular to the substrate. To modify the CNTs, ultrasonic treatment of the samples in alcoholic (or water) was applied and the results showed that the length of CNTs became equalized and their tips were opened without catalyst particles due to ultrasonically cutting off CNTs for the upper parts out of AAO pores. The mechanism is also discussed