New types of functionalised, water-soluble carbon nanotubes
Microwave assisted CNT purification and functionalisation to improve dispersion have been investigated. The optimisation of the amidation reaction of carboxylated CNTs is being carried out with a view to explore the extent of covalent and non-covalent functionalisation. All of the corresponding CNT products have been characterised using DSC/DTA-TGA and FTIR spectroscopy. The efficiency of removal of metal catalyst under microwave conditions was compared with other conventional procedures.
Major achievements
Paper and review published. Manuscript on functionalisation of CNTs is being prepared.
Future plans and directions
Formation of nano-hybrids between functionalised CNTs and semiconductor nano
Particles. To identify any CNT structural defects initiated by microwave radiation.
Collaborations
Prof John Bartlett, UWS
Dr Benjamin Watts Swiss Light Source, Switzerland
