Orthogonal experiment analysis of Carbon nanotubes oxidation process

The application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in biomaterials field was limited by its poor dispersion in water solution. In this paper, a specific methodology based on potassium permanganate (KMnO4)/concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) hydrothermal oxidation was used to modify the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The orthogonal experiment results indicated that MWCNTs/KMnO4/concentrated H2SO4 at 1:3:100 (g/g/g), stirring under 150 degrees C. for 7h was the optimal oxidation process. FT-IR and TGA results demonstrated that carboxyl groups were introduced to the surface of MWCNTs. Raman spectra and SEM, TEM showed that structure of MWCNTs were damaged after been oxidized.