Interaction between RuO2 and Carbon Nanotubes - Photoemission and X-ray Absorption Study

Since the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have extraordinary material properties, many researchers are trying to make a practical application in various fields [1]. In particular, the high surface area of CNTs was fascinated for nano-template on the catalytic system. $RuO_2$ coated CNTs are useful functional nano-composites in many applications, including super capacitors, fuel cells, biosensors, and field emitters. However, the research of interaction between CNTs and $RuO_2$ was not satisfied with various fields [2]. In this study, we will introduce the change of chemical and electrical state of $RuO_2$/CNTs at different temperatures by synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy (SRPES). The t-MWCNTs used in this experiment were grown on the Ni/TiN/Si substrates by chemical vapor deposition. $RuO_2$ of 4-20 nm in thickness was deposited on the t-MWNTs by sputter. The SRPES measurements were carried out at the 4B1 beamline of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory in Korea. The result of XPS measurement indicates that the deposited $RuO_2$ on the CNTs was reduced into pure Ru at above $300^{\circ}C$. And we confirmed that the effective work function of $RuO_2$/CNTs was decreased with increasing temperature.