Enhancing the Surface Properties and Structure of MWNTs by Effective Ion Beam Irradiation

Abstract

The effects of irradiating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with 100 keV He ions on the surface morphology were examined. Due to irradiation effects, the tube diameter reduced as revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate MWNTs by analyzing the principal bands in the spectra of virgin and radiated MWNT specimens. The effects of irradiation fluences on the disorder (D-band) and the graphite (G-band) modes were investigated. The possibility and prospects of using ion irradiation for controlling the wettability of the MWNT surface were investigated. The irradiation facility produces an MWNT coating that is either hydrophobic or hydrophilic to certain liquids. This analysis demonstrates that ion beam irradiation could be used as an alternative tool to change the structure of CNT and enhancing their wettability application, especially in water treatment. According to Raman spectra, when the fluence increases, the MWNTs become disordered due to the defect produced. The amorphous state of MWNTs could be attained with greater ion irradiation fluences.