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Functionalization of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes with Thermo-reversible Block Copolymers and Characterization by Small-angle Neutron Scattering
Published on: June 1, 2016
Non-covalent interactions between carbon nanotubes and conjugated polymers
1Deparment of Chemistry and Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Bilkent, Ankara, Turkey. dtuncel@fen.bilkent.edu.tr
Nanoscale
|July 29, 2011
Summary
Conjugated polymers improve carbon nanotube (CNT) solubility and properties without altering their intrinsic nature. This non-covalent functionalization aids in isolating specific single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess unique properties valuable across science and engineering.
- Insolubility hinders widespread application of CNTs.
- Surface modification, particularly non-covalent functionalization, is key to overcoming solubility challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in non-covalent functionalization of CNTs using conjugated polymers.
- To highlight the impact of conjugated polymers on CNT properties.
- To discuss the application of this method in purifying single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).
Main Methods:
- Non-covalent attachment of solubilizing groups, specifically conjugated polymers, to CNT surfaces.
- Analysis of changes in CNT dispersibility, solubility, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties.
- Utilizing polymer-CNT interactions for selective purification of SWCNTs.
Main Results:
- Conjugated polymers effectively enhance CNT solubility and dispersibility while preserving intrinsic properties.
- Significant improvements observed in optical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics of functionalized CNTs.
- Demonstrated success in purifying specific SWCNTs from mixed samples.
Conclusions:
- Non-covalent functionalization with conjugated polymers is a promising strategy for enhancing CNT utility.
- This approach offers a pathway to tailor CNT properties for diverse applications.
- Effective purification of SWCNTs is achievable, paving the way for advanced nanomaterial development.
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