Electrochemistry at Carbon Nanotube Electrodes: Is the Nanotube Tip More Active Than the Sidewall?

More than tips: The electrochemical properties of the tips and sidewalls of carbon nanotubes can be compared when specific regions are selectively masked with a nonconducting polymer coating (e.g. polystyrene) such that the electrolyte has access to one region only (see scheme). Surprisingly electrochemistry at carbon nanotube electrodes is not always facilitated by the nanotube tip.