Surface modification of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was carried out by radio frequency (RF) plasma discharges of oxygen and nitrogen gases to improve their dispersibility. Various oxygen and nitrogen containing functional groups were incorporated as a result of plasma treatment and were confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effect of plasma treatment on structural properties and morphology changes of MWCNTs was analyzed by Raman, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The morphological studies indicate that untreated MWCNT exists as closely packed with highly entangled bundle. During the plasma treatment, MWCNT tubes get disentangled. XRD, Raman and TEM confirmed the absence of any surface damage during plasma treatment. Functionalized carbon nanotubes exhibit high zeta potential values indicating their good dispersibility in water. The method offers a direct and dry means for functionalization of MWCNT without affecting the structure of MWCNT. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.