Abstract: We proposed here a simple technique for tracing the chemical oxidation process of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by using silver nanoparticles. SWNTs were prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and dilute nitricacid (2.6 mol•L－1) was used as oxidant for introducing carboxylic acid groups at the end or surface of the tubes. Based on the interaction between －COOH groups and silver nanoparticles, the oxidation procedure can be traced successfully. The results suggest that refluxing of SWNTs in HNO3 may introduce carboxylic acid groups mostly at the original defect sites and few defects is newly created along the SWNTs walls.

Key words: SWNTs, Oxidation, Ag nanoparticles, Defect