Surface functionalization of graphite and carbon nanotubes by vacuum-ultraviolet photochemical reactions

► Graphite and CNT surfaces were functionalized by VUV photochemistry in NH3 or O2. ► Significant amounts of N and O were incorporated at the materials surface. ► Primary amine and hydroxyl groups were successfully incorporated at the surface. ► NEXAFS permitted to assess the conservation of the aromatic structure. Graphite and multiwall carbon nanotube surfaces were functionalized by vacuum-ultraviolet induced photochemistry in NH3 or O2, in order to introduce amino- (NH2) or hydroxyl (OH) functionalities, respectively. Modified surfaces were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which showed significant incorporation of nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) at the materials’ surface. While high-resolution XP spectra did not yield much specific information about the incorporated functional groups, chemical derivatization with 4-trifluoromethyl benzaldehyde and trifluoroacetic anhydride accompanied by XPS enabled quantification of NH2 and OH groups, respectively. Using near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, we assessed the conservation of the aromatic structure following functionalization treatments.