Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Properties

Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes properties are unique due to the well known strength and conductivity properties of carbon nanotubes combined with a variety of functional groups attached to the surface of the carbon nanotubes which promotes their use in many applications.

Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Applications

The are many functionalized carbon nanotubes applications.  Modifying the surface of the individual carbon nanotubes by decorating the surface with OH, COOH, NH2, F, or other groups promotes dispersion in a wide variety of solvents and polymers enabling the use of nanotubes in many more applications.

The image below details specific applications enabled by Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes.

Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Structure

Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes structure is pictured above.

The location of functional groups is typically determined by the removal of end caps and residual catalysts during purification. This means they will primarily be on the end caps and side walls of the carbon nanotubes.

The two main processes for functionalization include acid based chemistry and plasma.  Plasma functionalization is unique in that it can also remove residual catalyst metals without further damaging the carbon nanotube structure unlike acid functionalization.