Water treatment by H2O2 and/or UV affects carbon nanotube (CNT) properties and fate in water and tannic acid solution

The objective of the study was to estimate how water treatment (stimulation of real conditions) by H2O2 and/or UV affects carbon nanotube (CNT) properties and fate (stability/aggregation) in water and tannic acid solution. The processes studied had only a slight effect on SBET, porosity, and surface composition of CNTs. There was a change in the morphology of CNTs. After H2O2 and/or UV treatment, CNTs underwent shortening, opening up of their ends, and exfoliation. Treatment with H2O2 increased the content of oxygen in CNTs. A decrease was observed in the surface charge and in the mobility of CNTs, which caused an increase in their stability. UV irradiation of CNTs led to an increased incidence of defects that were manifested by both an increase of zeta potential and an increased mobility of CNT, whereas the presence of H2O2 during UV irradiation had only a slight effect on the parameters of the porous structure of nanotubes.