Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Simultaneous Synthesis of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene in a Magnetically-enhanced Arc Plasma
Published on: February 2, 2012
Ionic liquids plus microwave irradiation: a general methodology for the retro-functionalization of single-walled
Myriam Barrejón1, Zois Syrgiannis, Maurizio Prato
1Center of Excellence for Nanostructured Materials (CENMAT) and INSTM, unit of Trieste, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy. prato@units.it.
Abstract:
One of the most important objectives nowadays in the field of chemical modification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is to control the degree of functionalization, since excessive modification can disrupt the π-conjugated system and adversely affect their useful properties. Covalent functionalization is one of the most common methods for the modification of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). However, only a few examples have appeared in the last few years regarding the control of the functionalization degree and the reversibility of the reaction. We present here an approach for the retro-functionalization of SWCNTs which could be applied to different types of covalent functionalizations, allowing the restoration of the π-conjugated structure. The process is performed through the combination of ionic liquids plus microwave irradiation and it is applicable to the retro-arylation and retro-cycloaddition reactions on SWCNTs. The successful retro-functionalization is monitored by Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy.
More Related Videos
09:12Functionalization of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes with Thermo-reversible Block Copolymers and Characterization by Small-angle Neutron Scattering
Published on: June 1, 2016
09:28Engineering Molecular Recognition with Bio-mimetic Polymers on Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Published on: January 10, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Ionic Radii
Ionic Bonds
When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
Opposing Charges Hold Ions Together in Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonds are reversible electrostatic interactions between ions...
Molecular and Ionic Solids
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
Solubility of Ionic Compounds
Ionic Compounds: Formulas and Nomenclature
Ionic Crystal Structures
Most monatomic ions behave as charged spheres, and their attraction for ions of opposite charge is the same in every direction. Consequently, stable structures for ionic compounds result (1) when ions of one charge are surrounded by as many ions as possible of the opposite...