Study of composite MWCNT/pyrolytic Cr interface by NEXAFS spectroscopy

A composite material based on MWCNT covered by pyrolytic Cr has been prepared by MOCVD growth technique using bis(arene)chromium compounds as the pyrolytic Cr source. Their structures and morphologies were preliminary studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning and scanning electron microscopy. The atomic and chemical composition of the interface, MWCNT surface and Cr-coating of the composite were studied by total electron yield mode in the range NEXAFS C1s - and Cr2p - absorption edge with use of synchrotron radiation of RGBL at BESSY-II. The study has shown that top layers of the MWCNT in composite have no essential destruction, the coating of the MWCNT surfaces is continuous and consists of Cr2O3. The chromium oxide adhesion is provided by chemical binding between the carbon atoms of the MWCNT top layer and the oxygen atoms of the coating.