Surface-enhanced Raman scattering from small numbers of purified and oxidised single-walled carbon nanotubes

Surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) has been applied to investigate defects in purified and carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). For both samples SERRS spectra with temporal fluctuating peak intensities and positions in the range of 1000 to 1350 cm-1 have been observed. A series of peaks in this window were observed to coincide with peak positions that have been assigned to arise from Stone-Thrower-Wales and heptagonal-pentagonal intramolecular junction defects on the nanotubes surface. Two possible origins for these fluctuating spectral features are discussed ie the presence of Stone-Thrower-Wales defects in SWCNTs or amorphous carbon impurities. Author has checked copyright 07/08/13 RB Longer version of title (Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering from small numbers of purified and oxidised single-walled carbon nanotubes: Evidence for Stone-Thrower-Wales defects or amorphous carbon impurities) at the heading of article submitted. RB