Electron-transfer reduction of cup-stacked carbon nanotubes affording cup-shaped carbons with controlled diameter and size.

The electron-transfer reduction of cup-stacked carbon nanotubes (CSCNTs) with sodium naphthalenide and the subsequent treatment with 1-iodododecane results in electrostatically destacking of CSCNTs to afford cup-shaped carbons with controlled diameter and size. The dodecylated cup-shaped carbons were highly dispersed and stable in nonpolar solvents, such as THF, tetrachloroethylene, and chloroform, as compared with the pristine CSCNTs.