Defect Engineering in Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Raman Spectroscopy Analysis of Electro-Thermal Explosion and Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesized Nanostructures

Structural defect engineering represents a critical strategy for tailoring the physicochemical properties of carbon nanotubes toward advanced applications in catalysis, sensing, drug delivery, energy storage, and nanocomposites. In this study, defect formation in multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) synthesized through Electro-Thermal Explosion (ETE) and Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis (SHS) was investigated using Raman spectroscopy and complementary structural characterization. Raman analysis revealed distinct variations in the D-band and G-band intensities, indicating significant differences in graphitic ordering and lattice disorder between the two synthesis routes. ETE-derived nanotubes exhibited a higher defect density, whereas SHS-derived nanotubes demonstrated improved graphitic organization. The results confirm that synthesis energy-release kinetics directly influence carbon lattice perfection and provide an effective route for engineering nanotube reactivity and surface functionalization potential.