Voltammetry of Carbon Nanotubes and the Limitations of Particle-Modified Electrodes: Are Carbon Nanotubes Electrocatalytic?

The use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as electrocatalysts is summarized; the limitations of using voltammetry based on CNT-modified electrodes is explained; and the role of mass transport, as well as electrode kinetics, with respect to dictating the voltammetric responses is discussed. The use of single-entity electrochemistry to at least complement, if not replace, ensemble voltammetry is advocated along with other caveats, notably purity, with respect to CNT voltammetry.

Automated summary

The use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as electrocatalysts is analyzed in this paper. The limitations of using voltammetry based on CNT-modified electrodes are explained, and the role of mass transport and electrode kinetics in dictating the voltammetric responses is discussed. The paper advocates for the use of single-entity electrochemistry as a complement or potential replacement for ensemble voltammetry, emphasizing the importance of purity in CNT voltammetry.