Noncovalent Functionalization of Graphite and Carbon Nanotubes with Polymer Multilayers and Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract

This paper describes a strategy for functionalizing graphite and carbon nanotube surfaces with multilayered polymeric films. Poly(amphiphiles) adsorb noncovalently onto these surfaces from aqueous solutions, due to hydrophobic interactions. The covalent attachment of a second polymer layer to this initial adsorbed layer results in the formation of a cross-linked polymer bilayer; additional layers can be deposited by the covalent or electrostatic attachment of polyelectrolytes. We used these multilayered polymer films to mediate the attachment of gold nanoparticles to graphite, single-walled nanotube (SWNT), and multiwalled nanotube (MWNT) surfaces. This approach provides a convenient method for attaching other nanostructures, biological molecules, or ligands to carbon nanotubes.

Carbon Nanotube and Gold‐Based Materials: A Symbiosis

“…The overall tubular structure of the MWNTs remained intact in contrast to rupture and tube breakage, which is observed during functionalization by aggressive sonication and acid treatment. [50] www.chemeurj.org Noncovalent functionalization of CNTs with polymer multilayers and AuNPs: Carrillo et al [51] functionalized hydrophobic graphite and CNT surfaces [52] to form polymer multilayers on methyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers of hexadecanethiolate on gold (Scheme 2). The hydrolyzed poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride (hPSMA) adsorbed noncovalently onto graphite or CNT surfaces from aqueous solutions via hydrophobic interactions.…”

Stability and thermal conductivity enhancement of carbon nanotube nanofluid using gum arabic

“…Due to their excellent electrical [5], mechanical [6] and optical properties [7], CNTs (discovered by Ijima [8]) have gained more importance in the enhancement of thermal characteristics of fluids. CNTs, however, cause self-aggregation due to attractive van der Waals forces and high surface area.…”

Fabrication and Applications of Carbon Nanotube-Based Hybrid Nanomaterials by Means of Non-Covalently Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

“…This type of polymer generally contains multiple aromatic motifs which allow them to be directly attached onto CNT sidewalls via π-π stacking interactions and polymer-wrapping techniques. For example, the hydrolyzed poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) (hPSMA) can be non-covalently adsorbed onto CNT surfaces from aqueous solutions via hydrophobic interactions [Carrillo et al, 2003]. Such attached hPSMA layer contained carboxylic groups, which were used as handles to further covalently attach poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and a cross-linked polymer bilayer was formed.…”