Functionalization of carbon nanotubes by argon plasma assisted Uv grafting of 1-vinylimidazole

Due to the unique structural, electronic, and mechanical properties, carbon nanotubes are considered for numerous nanotechnology applications, including electronic devices, energy storage, and superstrong composite material. A methodology for functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) by argon plasma-assisted UV grafting of 1-vinylimidazole was described. UV radical grafting of 1-vinylimidazole occurred on the defect sites at the ends and the sidewalls of the nanotubes; by exposure in Ar plasmas prior to UV irradiation. More defect sites and thus obtain higher degree of functionalization were obtained. With such functionalization, the bundles of pristine SWNT exfoliated to small bundles even individual nanotubes. Characterization of such functionalization was presented. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the AIChE Annual Meeting (San Francisco, CA 11/12-17/2006).