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Synthesis of Nitrogen Doped Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes With Caffeine

Abstract:

Nitrogen doped single walled carbon nanotubes have many functional benefits. Doping opens the possibility to control the electronic energy levels, surface energy, surface reactivity, and charge carrier density. The additional electron in the outer shell changes the electronic properties of the nanotubes when introduced into the carbon lattice. Here we present the latest findings in the in situ doping during synthesis of single walled carbon nanotubes using caffeine as a precursor of both carbon and nitrogen. A special furnace with two heating elements allowed us to sublimate and decompose the solid precursor. Caffeine allowed us to reach a high doping percentage with high quality nanotubes directly in a one-step synthesis procedure.