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Ring opening metathesis polymerization on non-covalently functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes
Fernando J Gómez1, Robert J Chen, Dunwei Wang
1Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|February 15, 2003
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to coat single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with poly(norbornene) using a pyrene-linked initiator for Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP). This technique creates a uniform, non-covalent polymer coating on SWNT surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) possess unique electronic and mechanical properties.
- Controlling the surface functionalization of SWNTs is crucial for their application.
- Existing methods for SWNT functionalization can be complex and may alter intrinsic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To achieve selective initiation of norbornene polymerization on SWNT surfaces.
- To develop a homogeneous non-covalent polymer coating on SWNTs.
- To explore the use of pyrene-linked initiators for surface-initiated polymerization.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a pyrene-linked Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) initiator.
- Adsorbing the initiator selectively onto the SWNT surface.
- Initiating norbornene polymerization from the adsorbed initiator.
Main Results:
- Successful selective initiation of polymerization on SWNT surfaces.
- Formation of a homogeneous poly(norbornene) coating.
- Demonstration of non-covalent attachment of the polymer layer.
Conclusions:
- Surface-initiated ROMP provides an effective route for SWNT functionalization.
- Pyrene-linked initiators enable precise control over polymer grafting on SWNTs.
- The resulting poly(norbornene) coating enhances SWNT processability and integration into composite materials.