| abstract |
The present invention incorporates a novel method for chemically modifying carbon nanotubes. Such methods include derivatization of multi- and single-walled carbon nanotubes (including small-diameter (about 0.7 nm) single-walled carbon nanotubes) with diazonium species. The method allows for the chemical attachment of various organic compounds to the sides and ends of carbon nanotubes. Such chemically modified nanotubes have applications in polymer composites, molecular electronics applications, and sensor devices. The derivatization method includes an electrochemically induced reaction, a thermally induced reaction (by in situ generation of a diazonium compound or a preformed diazonium compound), and a photochemically induced reaction. Derivatization causes a significant change in the spectroscopic properties of the nanotube. The estimated functionality is about 1 for every 20-30 carbons in the nanotube bearing the functional moiety. Such electrochemical reduction methods can be adapted to apply to site-selective chemical functionalization of nanotubes. Moreover, when modified with the appropriate chemical groups, the derivatized nanotubes are chemically compatible with the polymer matrix, and the properties of the nanotubes (eg, mechanical strength or electrical conductivity) as a whole are composite properties To be able to move to Moreover, when modified with a suitable chemical group, the group can be polymerized to form a polymer containing carbon nanotubes. |