One-step preparation of water-soluble single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

A novel one-step process using potassium persulfate (KPS) as oxidant is proposed in this paper to prepare water-soluble single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The process without the need for organic solvents and acids is a low-cost, eco-friendly, facile method. Morphology observation by atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicates that the KPS-treated SWNTs were effectively debunded without obvious shortening in their length. The functional groups and thermal stability of the treated SWNTs were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). XPS results show that several functional groups such as potassium carboxylate (-COOK), carbonyl (-C=O) and hydroxyl (-C-OH) groups were formed on the surfaces of the SWNTs, while the TGA results reveal that the quantity of the functional groups can reach to approximately 20%.

Carbon nanotubes/magnetite hybrids prepared by a facile synthesis process and their magnetic properties

“…In the first step, we prepare water-soluble CNTs by one-step functionalization route which was designed by ourselves [29]. Actually, we introduce potassium carboxylate group (-COOK) on the nanotube surfaces by mild oxidation process using potassium persulfate (KPS).…”

Mild hydrothermal treatment to prepare highly dispersed multi-walled carbon nanotubes

“…Here, we focus our attention on the introduction of functional groups with high ionization degree by KOH. Generally, the final functional groups created on the MWCNT surface clearly correlate with the pH of reaction system [14].…”

“…In our previous study [14], functional groups have been successfully introduced to the surface of single-walled carbon nanotubes via the oxidation process using potassium persulfate (KPS). However, in that case, the process was still timeconsuming, and modification parameters were not discussed.…”

Coupled thermogravimetry, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy for quantification of surface functionality on single-walled carbon nanotubes

“…Exercising control over the oxidizing conditions affords some ability to differentiate between sample components [18]. More recently, TG has been applied under inert desorption conditions to monitor adsorbates and functional addends attached to CNT samples [19][20][21][22][23]. In the majority of such cases, it is assumed that the total loss in sample mass can be attributed entirely to the liberation of the specific functional moieties being studied, which then allows the estimation of the degree of functionalization.…”