Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes Using Peroxides
- Detailed Technology Description
- None
- *Abstract
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Functionalizationof Carbon Nanotubes Using Peroxides
Challenge
The full realization andapplication of the unique properties of carbon nanotubes is hampered by theirlow processability. This limitedprocessability is often a result of the low solubility of carbon nanotubes incommon solvents, and this hurdle complicates their fabrication into functionalarticles such as fibers and films.
Appropriate functionalizationof these materials can impart the requisite solubility for their expanded usein materials applications. However, achallenge to the efficient functionalization of nanotubes is the low reactivityassociated with their carbon surfaces.
Improvements in thesolubility, processability, and material properties of nanotubes are expectedto lead to the production of functional articles with ultra-high performancecapabilities.
Solution
RiceUniversity researchers describe methods for functionalizing the sidewalls ofcarbon nanotubes with carbon-centered free radicals. This method provides derivatized nanotubeswith markedly improved solubility in organic solvents, and the attached groupscan be removed upon heating under an argon atmosphere. Gravimetric analysis indicates that thedegree of functionalization is as high as 1 in ~5 carbons of the nanotubeframework.
Thenanotubes functionalized by this method are expected to be more amenable toprocessing and composite formation for advanced applications.
Benefitsand features
- Method for functionalization of nanotubes with aryl and alkyl substituents
- Functionalization improves solubility of nanotubes for processing purposes
- High degree of functionalization of nanotube surface observed
MarketPotential / Applications
Functionalized nanotubes thatare amenable to current processing and fabrication methods hold much promisefor applications ranging from those in the aerospace and defense industries toconsumer electronics.
Development and LicensingStatus
This technology is availablefor licensing from Rice University.
RiceResearchers
W.E.Billups is a Professor of Chemistry at Rice University. His research program focuses on the synthesisand study of small ring alkenes, fullerenes, and single-wall carbon nanotubesand methods for the activation of carbon-hydrogen bonds.
JohnL. Margrave was the E.D. Butcher Professor of Chemistry at RiceUniversity. He authored over 800publications during his career. He wasawarded the Chemical Pioneer Award from the American Institute of Chemists forhis work in the field of fluorine chemistry, and he was also a member of theNational Academy of Sciences.
TechnologyRelevant Papers and Web Links
U.S. patents (#7,740,826 and#7,125,533) have been issued for this technology.
Billups website: http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~billups/
“Functionalization of CarbonNanotubes by Free Radicals”, OrganicLetters, 2003, 5, 1471-1473.
Case# 23010
KeyWords: nanotubes,functionalization, processing, materials
Inquiriesto:
Luba Pacala, lpacala@rice.edu, (713) 348-5590
Chance Rainwater, crainwater@rice.edu, (713) 348-4106
- Country/Region
- USA
