Influence of high temperature treatments on single-walled carbon nanotubes structure, morphology and surface properties Original Research Article

Single-walled carbon nanotubes produced by the MER Corporation have been treated in an argon atmosphere at temperatures between 1400 and 2400°C. The modifications resulting from the heat treatment have been followed by adsorption volumetry and TEM measurements. 1600°C appears as a turning point for the high temperature treatments. Heating nanotubes up to 1600°C essentially results in the removal of metal particles. At higher temperatures the changes in morphology are predominant, and single-walled nanotubes packed in bundles are transformed into multi-walled nanotubes.