The Structure and Electrophysical Properties of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Subjected to Argon Ion Bombardment

The morphology, structure, and electrophysical characteristics of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), as affected by defects induced by ion bombardment, are studied using Raman spectroscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopies. Annealing in an inert atmosphere results in partial recovery of the nanotube structure: the nanotube walls contain regions of recovered graphene structure and regions plagued with extended defects that result in corrugation of graphene layers comprising the walls of MWCNTs. These structural alterations result in a marked decrease in conductivity of the processed MWCNTs.