Preparation and Characterization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Deposited by Europium Hydroxide

In this paper, europium hydroxide (Eu(OH)(3)) was introduced onto multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by the MWCNTs and europium nitrate (Eu(NO3)(3)center dot 6H(2)O) on a mild conditions in the alkalescence solution. The influence of the different pH value on the product was analyzed. Characterizations of the products were performed using raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high resolution thermal field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Those results indicated that oxygen-containing groups such as -OH, -C=O, and -COOH generated on the surface of the MWCNTs treated with nitric acid. Those functional groups can attract Eu, and provide the position to Eu(OH)(3). When the pH value situation of the reaction is 7-8, the MWCNTs deposited by Eu(OH)(3) were obtained. Furthermore, there is the weak interaction between Eu and the functional groups of the MWCNTs. In addition, the integrity of the MWCNTs was not damaged during the whole preparation.