Degradation of carbon nanotubes in oxygen glow discharges

A study has been undertaken of the degradation of carbon nanotube (CNT)-covered stainless steel mesh cathodes during exposure to low-pressure oxygen glow discharges. Emission spectroscopy and molecular absorption spectroscopy in DC glow discharge and in RF afterglow experiments, as well as morpholog...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inCarbon (New York) Vol. 57; pp. 248 - 258
Main Authors Vandsburger, L., Coulombe, S., Meunier, J.L.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2013
Elsevier
Subjects
Anhydrides
Carbon
Carbon nanotubes
Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology
Degradation
Exact sciences and technology
Glow discharges
Materials science
Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization
Nanotubes
Oxidation
Physics
Scanning electron microscopy
Water vapor
Scanning electron microscopy
Oxygen
Toluene
Carbon nanotubes
Mass spectroscopy
Stainless steels
Degradation
Afterglow
Low pressure
Oxidation
Absorption spectra
Cathodes
Glow discharges
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:A study has been undertaken of the degradation of carbon nanotube (CNT)-covered stainless steel mesh cathodes during exposure to low-pressure oxygen glow discharges. Emission spectroscopy and molecular absorption spectroscopy in DC glow discharge and in RF afterglow experiments, as well as morphological evidence, mass spectrometry spectra of condensed oxidation products, and molecular structure models have shown that plasma oxidation favors the production of 2,3 naphthalic anhydride. Absorption spectra taken during plasma oxidation match both literature sources for 2,3 naphthalic anhydride, as well as spectra of a chemical standard. MS data indicate that the only heavy compounds produced during plasma oxidation are poly-cyclic aromatics that can be attributed either directly to 2,3 naphthalic anhydride or to toluene, its major plasma decomposition product. Morphological observations using the scanning electron microscope support the conclusion that the reaction is facilitated by the field enhancement effect that accelerates oxygen ions to the tips of CNTs, where the oxidation takes place. Tests using water vapor show that oxidation is anhydrous, even in the presence of hydrogen.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
content type line 23
ObjectType-Article-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
ISSN:0008-6223
1873-3891
DOI:10.1016/j.carbon.2013.01.071