Functionalization of carbon nanotubes by electrochemical reduction of aryl diazonium salts: a bucky paper electrode. |
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| Authors: | J L Bahr J Yang D V Kosynkin M J Bronikowski R E Smalley J M Tour |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Chemistry, Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, MS 222, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA. |
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| Abstract: | Small-diameter (ca. 0.7 nm) single-wall carbon nanotubes are predicted to display enhanced reactivity relative to larger-diameter nanotubes due to increased curvature strain. The derivatization of these small-diameter nanotubes via electrochemical reduction of a variety of aryl diazonium salts is described. The estimated degree of functionalization is as high as one out of every 20 carbons in the nanotubes bearing a functionalized moiety. The functionalizing moieties can be removed by heating in an argon atmosphere. Nanotubes derivatized with a 4-tert-butylbenzene moiety were found to possess significantly improved solubility in organic solvents. Functionalization of the nanotubes with a molecular system that has exhibited switching and memory behavior is shown. This represents the marriage of wire-like nanotubes with molecular electronic devices. |
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