Structural Recovery of Highly Oxidized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Fabricated by Kneading and Electrochemical Applications

Abstract

Harsh oxidation of 1 nm single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) can lead to fatal defect structures, which can jeopardize their mechanical and electrical performances. Here, we show the structural recovery of highly oxidized SWCNTs (Ox-SWCNTs), which were rapidly (within 1 h) oxidized by kneading without forming failure-causing defects inspired by flour dough. The rational oxidation of SWCNTs by kneading debundled the SWCNTs and led to obtaining thermodynamically stable SWCNT solutions in water or even in alcohol without dispersant molecules. Importantly, the structure of the Ox-SWCNTs could be recovered by chemical, thermal, photothermal, or solvothermal reduction, enhancing the electrical conductivity of the Ox-SWCNT films from similar to 100 to similar to 1000 S cm(-1). These Ox-SWCNTs and chemically reduced Ox-SWCNTs showed high performance in supercapacitors and Li-ion batteries as electrochemical conductors, respectively.