Effects of argon plasma treating on surface morphology and gas ionization property of carbon nanotubes

The effect of surface treatment by argon plasma on the surface morphology and gas ionization property of carbon nanotube film were studied. The surface of as-grown CNT films prepared by chemical vapor deposition was treated by argon plasma in reactive ion etcher (RIE). In order to compare the microstructure of untreated CNT film with treated CNT film, scanning electron microscopy was employed. The ionization properties of distinct gas based on the untreated and treated CNT film were measured and compared. The reasons for the observed effects were discussed.