A glow-discharge approach for functionalization of carbon nanotubes

We demonstrate the functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using a glow discharge for generating atomic or molecular radicals. A 30-s exposure to a cold plasma of H2 results in near-saturation coverage of SWNT with atomic hydrogen. Functionalization of SWNTs with atomic hydrogen is confirmed by an infrared band at 2924 cm−1, characteristic of C–H stretching mode. A corresponding decrease in the ultraviolet absorption is also observed, which is due to a loss of some conjugated C–C π bonds in hydrogen covered SWNTs.