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Functionalization and Dispersion of Carbon Nanomaterials Using an Environmentally Friendly Ultrasonicated Ozonolysis Process
Published on: May 30, 2017
Functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by mild aqueous sonication
De-Quan Yang1, Jean-Francois Rochette, Edward Sacher
1Regroupement Québécois de Matériaux de Pointe, Département de Génie Physique, Ecole Polytechnique, C.P. 6079, succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3A7, Canada.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|July 21, 2006
Summary
Sonication of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in water creates oxygen-containing functional groups. This improves MWCNT dispersal in water and adhesion to gold substrates without damaging the nanotube structure.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Sonication is a common method for dispersing and functionalizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
- Previous studies focused on CNT functionalization in acidic solutions.
- The effect of sonication in neutral aqueous media on CNTs was less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of sonication on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in deionized water.
- To analyze changes in MWCNT properties and their interactions with substrates.
- To understand the underlying mechanisms of observed changes.
Main Methods:
- Sonication of MWCNTs in deionized water.
- Characterization using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM).
- Surface analysis via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoacoustic Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Sonication in water led to improved aqueous dispersal of MWCNTs.
- Enhanced adhesive interaction of MWCNTs with gold (Au) substrates was observed.
- Formation of low concentrations (approx. 2%) of O-containing functional groups (alcohol, carbonyl, acid) on MWCNT surfaces.
- Disappearance of -CH(n) groups and preservation of the basic CNT structure.
Conclusions:
- Sonication in deionized water induces mild surface functionalization of MWCNTs.
- The newly formed functional groups facilitate hydrogen bonding, improving aqueous dispersibility.
- Enhanced MWCNT-substrate adhesion is attributed to these functional groups.
- This method offers a non-damaging approach for MWCNT aqueous processing.
