UV functionalization of carbon nanotubes on plastic substrates

The fabrication of sensor structures on flexible substrates is a promising area in the field of transparent and wearable electronics. Carbon nanotube films can serve in this sensors as active layer. The films of single-walled carbon nanotubes were grown by chemical vapor deposition method and transferred onto polyethylene terephthalate substrates. The films were irradiated via UV lamp from 10 to 50 minutes. Before and after UV irradiation process, atomic force microscopy, conductivity measurements and Raman spectroscopy were carried out. The results show the attachment of sp
³
functional groups and defect formation. The obtained results show the possibility to control the process of carbon nanotubes functionalization, which further will help to fabricate the specific gas sensors and electronic noses.