The characterization study of functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes purified by acid oxidation

Acid oxidation is one of the purification method which has been used to open up the caps, removing carbonaceous and metal particles impurities, and attaching functional group (carboxylic groups, -COOH) at the opened caps and MWCNT surfaces. Unfortunately, this method can cause the structural damages of MWCNT, cut them into shorter length and reduced their performance. However, it is reported that the structure damage of CNT can be acceptable if it is not exceeding 4% of damages. Several characterization techniques will be used to study the composition of functionalized MWCNT and measuring the percent damages of functionalized MWCNT.