Functionalizing multi-walled carbon nanotubes with poly(oxyalkylene)-amidoamines

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were functionalized by sequential HNO3 oxidation and amidation with high-molecular-weight poly(oxyalkylene)-amines (400–2000 g mol−1) as the modifying agents. These nanotube-tethering organic portions include two types of polyether backbone, hydrophobic poly(oxypropylene) (POP) and hydrophilic poly(oxyethylene) (POE). By varying these hydrophilic or hydrophobic structures and their lengths, the organically modified nanotubes can be tailored to have different dispersing properties, either in water or in organic solvents. Homogeneous dispersion further allowed the observation of the detailed morphology of individual nanotubes and their aggregated forms by using atomic force microscopy and field emission-scanning electron microscopy analyses.

Milling and dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in texanol

“…Therefore, recent efforts have focused on enhancing the dispersion of CNTs by surface treatments or cutting. Many kinds of surface treatment using plasma [5] or UV/ozone [6], and functionalization techniques with polymeric agents have been introduced [7][8][9]. Various physical or chemical CNT cutting methods include the utilization of ultrasound [10], ball mill [11], vibration mill [12] or two-roller mill [13], oxidation in acidic condition [14], fluorination and pyrolysis [15] and gamma radiation [16].…”

Preparation and properties of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polypropylene nanocomposite bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

“…In the case of MWCNTs/POA400-DGEBA, as shown in Fig. 3b, the characteristic peak of C O C group on the POA400-DGEBA was strongly observed at 1105 cm −1 [50,51]. Moreover, the peak of the secondary amine (C NH C) appears significantly at 1204 cm −1 , implying the POA400-DGEBA have been effectively synthesized via the reaction of DGEBA epoxy and POA400 [50,51].…”

“…3b, the characteristic peak of C O C group on the POA400-DGEBA was strongly observed at 1105 cm −1 [50,51]. Moreover, the peak of the secondary amine (C NH C) appears significantly at 1204 cm −1 , implying the POA400-DGEBA have been effectively synthesized via the reaction of DGEBA epoxy and POA400 [50,51]. As expected, the peak observed at 1460 cm −1 corresponds to the CNH stretching and the peak at 1630 cm −1 was detected for the stretching vibration of the C O group, respectively, due to the formation of amide linkages [52,53].…”

Synthesis of Amide Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

“…DCC (250 mg) was then added and the entire solution was placed on an oil bath at 80 o C under argon for 4 days. 26 The resulting SWNTs were then filtered, washed with methanol, and then placed in a round bottom flask and dried under vacuum at 80 o C overnight.…”