Azide-functionalization of carbon nanotubes by electrochemical oxidation of N3- in situ

Azide-functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was achieved by electrochemical oxidation of N3- in situ. The functionalized nanotubes were characterized in details by single internal reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and thermogravimetic analysis (TGA/MS). The results revealed that a covalent C-N bond had formed and this might provide an effective method for the preparation of azide-functionalized materials, especially carbon materials. The degree of functionalization was measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).