Functionalization and solubilization of carbon nanotubes.

摘要

For a more complete understanding and facile manipulation of carbon nanotube, a new form of carbon allotrope with unique properties and great potential in practical applications, we extensively studied the functionalization and solubilization of carbon nanotubes using esterification, amidation, and zwitterion chemistry. Soluble carbon nanotubes were obtained upon derivatization with dendritic, oligomeric, and polymeric materials. Characterizations using electron microscopy, optical spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric method, and solution phase techniques have proven to be powerful in investigating the properties of these functionalized/solubilized carbon nanotubes.