ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Non-standard ROS-generating combination “theraphthal–ascorbic acid” in low-temperature transformations of carbon allotropes

Oxana V. Kharissova, Jared Rodríguez, and Boris I. Kharisov

Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico

E-mail: bkhariss@hotmail.com

Abstract: Multi-wall carbon nanotubes and graphite are relatively stable carbon allotropes, which could be solubilized and/or unfolded by a series of physical and chemical methods. Here, we present a low-temperature formation of several nanocarbons starting from these precursors, such as nano-onions, graphene sheets, and carbon nanoribbons. The experiments were carried out under ultrasonic treatment of aqueous systems “carbon allotrope − theraphthal − ascorbic acid” at various ratios and concentrations. Resulting nanocarbons were studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, XPS, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. Based on the experimental results, the mechanisms for carbon nanotube unfolding and separation of graphite layers were proposed. These reactions are based on the formation of reactive oxygen species by theraphthal in ultrasonic conditions and their further interaction with carbon precursors. These transformations can be considered as greener methods for obtaining nanocarbons.

Keywords: Nanoonions ; Nanoribbons ; Graphene ; MWCNTs ; Theraphthal ; Electron microscopy 

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-018-0571-y

Chemical Papers 73 (1) 239–248 (2019)