Insights into the surface chemistry and electronic properties of sp2 and sp3-hybridized nanocarbon materials for catalysis.

Ultra-dispersed nanodiamond and its derivatives (UNDDs), including bucky nanodiamond and onion-like carbon, offer superior catalytic behavior relative to other nanocarbons. However, a systematic study of their unique properties has been rarely achieved. Their surface chemistry and electronic properties are therefore studied to reveal the essential differences of UNDDs compared to other nanocarbons for catalysis.