Functionalization of carbon nanotubes by ammonia glow-discharge: Experiments and modeling

We successfully functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) through a microwave discharge of ammonia. Evidence is supplied through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with band assignment aided by computational modeling. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy results also provide supporting evidence of functional groups attached to the surfaces of SWNTs from ammonia plasma.