Electrophilic oxygen on defect-rich carbon nanotubes for selective oxidation of cyclohexane

Defect-rich carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for cyclohexane oxidation were systematically investigated. Abundant defects on the CNT surface generated by annealing treatment show an exceptional capability to generate electrophilic oxygen in air. These electrophilic species were verified as the ‘promoters’ for the oxidation of cyclohexane, significantly enhancing the reaction conversion.