Overcoming the Insolubility of Carbon Nanotubes Through High Degrees of Sidewall Functionalization

摘要: The use of carbon nanotubes in materials applications has been slowed due to nanotube insolubility and their incompatibility with polymers. We recently developed two protocols overcome the insoluble nature by affixing large amounts addends sidewalls. Both processes involve reactions aryl diazonium species. First, solvent-free functionalization techniques remove need for any solvent during step. This delivers functionalized increased solubility organic solvents processibility polymeric blends. Additionally, process can be done on scales, thereby paving way bulk such as structural development. second methodology involves that are first dispersed individual tubes surfactants within aqueous media. then ensues afford heavily do not re-rope. They remain individuals giving enormous increases solubility. protocol yields highest degree we have obtained thus far-up one nine atoms an addend. proper characterization determinations critical; therefore, this topic is discussed detail.