Efficient and Convenient Solubilization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

Functionalization of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with amines under a two step reaction is studied. In the first step, maleic anhydride graft to the MWCNT surfaces via polymerization process with benzoylproxide as initiator. Active anhydride groups on the surfaces of MWCNTs, react with amines to give a polyamino chain attached on the sidewall and end caps of MWCNTs. The reaction products have high solubility in organic solvents. XRD, Raman, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterization the achieved products.

Keywords:

Polymerization , Amidation , Solubilization , Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes