Influence of water on desorption rates of benzene adsorbed within single-wall carbon nanohorns

We analyzed the desorption of benzene adsorbed on single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) which have structures similar to single-wall carbon nanotubes. Two types of benzene-adsorption sites were found inside the SWNH tubules-the inner wall of side-walls and that of tips. The amount of adsorbed benzene was greater at the former sites, while benzene adsorbed more strongly at the latter sites. We also found that the desorption-rate of benzene adsorbed inside the SWNHs that had been touched by water droplets or exposed to water vapor in advance became faster in dry air, but slowed in air saturated with water vapor. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.