Electrochemical Synthesis Partially Unzipped Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Electrode Materials for Fuel Cells

Results of electrochemical anodic oxidation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in 80% sulfuric acid are presented. Using X-ray diffraction analysis, electron microscopy, and Raman spectra, it has been proven that, as a result of anodic oxidation, partially unzipped multi-walled carbon nanotubes were obtained by anodic oxidation. It is shown that the degree of unzipping multi-walled carbon nanotubes depends on the time of electrochemical oxidation of these materials. Using the oxygen electrode as testing electrodes was shown the dependence of the electrochemical characteristics of these materials of the degree of unzipping the multi-walled carbon nanotubes. It is suggested that the controlled synthesis of partially unzipping nanotubes is possible. It is also suggested that it is possible to estimate the degree of unzipping the nanotube based on the study of the electrochemical characteristics of oxygen electrodes. By the electrochemical method obtained partially unzipped multi-walled carbon nanotubes which are promising electrode materials.