Raman spectroscopic investigation of gas interactions with an aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube membrane

Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate ethane, propane, and SF6 interactions with an aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) membrane. Pressures of 7.5-9.3 atm and temperatures of 293-333 K were examined for propane and SF6, whereas slightly lower temperatures (263-293 K) and pressures (6.7-7.5 atm) were used for ethane. Red-shifting and broadening is seen for the C-C stretching vibrations of the two hydrocarbons, as well as for the A1g symmetric vibration (nu1) of SF6. These spectral features indicate that the interaction between the gas and the nanotube membrane is capable of perturbing molecular vibrations and creating red-shifted features. Control experiments done on polycrystalline graphite and a polystyrene blank indicate that this spectral behavior is unique to gases interacting with the nanotubes in the membrane.