Comprehensive study of trends in the functionalization of CNTs using same oxidizing acids in different conditions
By Sara Aftab, Syed Tajammul Hussain, Mohammed. Siddique and Haq Nawaz
ABSTRACT
Carbon nanotubes [CNTs] have excellent electrical, mechanical, optical and thermal properties. However, efficient dispersion of CNTs in any medium requires their functionalization. In this
work, CNTs prepared from the catalytic process have been functionalized under three different
conditions using the same acid oxidizing media. The effect of the reaction conditions on the
CNTs, in terms of the extent of covalent functionalization has been determined by employing
SEM, FTIR, XRD, Zeta meter, UV, Oxygen percentage analysis, Boehm’s titration and visual
dispersion as the characterization techniques . Results show that CNTs functionalized by reflux
in the oxidizing acid are the best dispersed.
Keywords : Carbon nanotubes, covalent functionalization, oxidizing acids, SEM, Zeta potential, XRD.
