Surface treatment of carbon nanotubes using plasma technology

Abstract: The chapter begins by discussing carbon nanotube (CNT) surface chemistry and solution-based functionalization. It then reviews promising alternative ways to modify the CNT surface through plasma processes. Plasma treatments have the advantage of being non-polluting and provide a wide range of grafted functional groups, depending on the plasma parameters such as power, gases used, duration of treatment and gas pressure. However, the interaction of high energy particles with the CNT surface can induce damage in the CNT structure. A plasma post-discharge treatment, which can prevent the degradation of CNTs, is presented.