Adsorption properties of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) on single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) before and after mechanical cutting were investigated by adsorption volumetry between 224 and 232 K. Physical adsorption Of CCl4 on the outer surface of bundles, in the grooves and inside opened tubes is discussed in the light of the results obtained under similar conditions for krypton and xenon. The amount adsorbed both in grooves and inside the opened tubes has been estimated as well as the CCl4 isosteric heat of adsorption on the convex external walls. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.