Luminescent functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes were produced by strong acid treatment with the aid of sonication. The oxidized carbon nanotubes were analyzed by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy Analysis of the photoluminescence spectrum shows that the short carbon nanotubes are luminescent in the visible range. The luminescence is probably due to the presence of defects sites on the surface of the carbon nanotubes.