Solubilization of multi walled carbon nanotubes under a facile and mild condition

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with amino groups was prepared via chemical modification of carboxyl groups introduced on the carbon nanotube surfaces. Oxidation of MWCNTs was performed with ozone in aqueous phase and amidation of generated carboxylic groups, was occurred with amines in the presence of HATU as a coupling agent. Obtained functionalized MWCNTs are soluble in many common organic solvents. The functionalized MWCNTs were characterized in detail using FTIR-ATR, Raman CHN and SEM methods.