The functionalization of carbon nanotubes is important for enhancing deposition of metal nanoparticles in the fabrication of fuel cells. A novel approach to the surface oxidation of carbon nanotubes is presented using an ultrasonic-assisted chemical treatment to promote the density of Pt clusters via functionalizing the surface with C=O groups. XPS was used to characterize the functionalization and surface coverage. The carbon nanotube surface oxidation was markedly different than that of the standard reflux treatment. The density of –C=O coverage, obtained using the sonichemical treatment, was greater than that of the surface produced using the standard reflux treatment. Integrated C 1s peak area ratios of the –C=O to carbidic oxidation states showed that the density of functional groups increased with increasing time of treatment from 0 to 8 hours. The contribution from to the –COOH functional groups to the C 1s XPS intensity was very small and therefore did not play a major role in promoting the deposition of Pt clusters.
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