Etching and cutting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in molten nitrate

Abstract Selective etching in molten nitrate was used to cut multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). These MWCNTs were cut into different lengths by controlling the etching temperature and time. Short MWCNTs (s-MWCNTs) with opened ends and rough surfaces were obtained. The decrease in I D / I G ratio in the Raman spectra suggested that a better graphitic structure of s-MWCNTs was developed because of selective etching and removal of the amorphous carbon and tube wall defects. The s-MWCNTs formed more stable suspensions in the polar solvents than did the pristine MWCNTs. The electrochemical results showed an enhancement in capacitive performance with the shortening of MWCNTs.