Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes by Free Radicals

Abstract

Free radicals generated by decomposition of benzoyl peroxide in the presence of alkyl iodides have been used to derivatize small-diameter single-wall carbon nanotubes (HiPco tubes). The degree of functionalization, estimated by thermal gravimetric analysis, is as high as 1 in approximately 5 carbons in the nanotube framework. The derivatized nanotubes exhibits remarkably improved solubility in organic solvents. The attached groups can be removed by heating in an atmosphere of argon. Derivatization was also accomplished by treating SWNTs with various sulfoxides employing Fenton's reagent. [reaction: see text]

Carbon nanotube-protein carriers enhance size-dependent self-adjuvant antibody response to haptens

“…Previous procedures for introducing alkyl groups into CNTs using radical insertion with acyl peroxides [61,[74][75][76] often involved long reaction times and/or large amounts of peroxide were consumed. We describe a new radical insertion method for alkyl chains performed under microwave conditions.…”

Rapid and controllable covalent functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes at room temperature

“…[8][9][10] functionalization of neutral SWNT through the thermal decomposition of the acyl peroxide derivative does not occur due to rapid radical-radical reactions (ESI{). Thus, it appears that our approach allows for new functionalizations, especially with amine terminated ligands.…”

Integrated Biomimemic Carbon Nanotube Composites for Biomedical Applications

“…In Raman spectra a band centred at 1300 cm -1 is attributed to sp 3 -hybridized carbon in the hexagonal framework of the nanotube walls. This disorder mode band is enhanced, as functional groups are attached to the side walls of the nanotubes (Ying et al, 2003;Dyke and Tour, 2003;Georgakilas et al, 2002;Dyke and Tour, 204;Wang and Tseng, 2007). Acid-base titrations (Zho and Stoddart, 2009; were performed to determine the concentration of COOH groups for acid-treated MWCNTs.…”