Functionalizing Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes in Hollow Cathode Glow Discharges

Author(s)
M. Bystrzejewski, Mark H Rümmeli, Thomas Gemming, Thomas Pichler, Andrzej Huczko, H Lange
Abstract

A hollow cathode glow discharge was used to functionalize single-wall carbon nanotubes. This low temperature, solvent free, facile and fast process may be used to efficiently attach various functional groups (COOH, OH, CH, NH2, NO2 and NO) to the open ends and sidewalls of carbon nanotubes. The presented technique yields a broader set of functional groups being attached to the tubes as compared to other discharge routes. A rich functionalized surface provides an attractive scaffold for the further coupling of complex molecules, e.g., enzymes, antibodies. In situ optical emission spectroscopy investigations provided detailed information of the dynamic processes within the plasma itself. The findings show a gas temperature of 480 K and suggest the functionalization occurs through radical addition channels that are assisted by N2 + radical ion collisions viz. N2 + ion radical bombardment breaks C–C bonds on SWNTs surface opening a path for subsequent addition and quenching for other radical species.

Organisation(s)
Electronic Properties of Materials
External organisation(s)
University of Warsaw, Leibniz-Institut für Festkörper- und Werkstoffforschung Dresden
Journal
Plasma Chemistry & Plasma Processing
Volume
29
Pages
79-90
No. of pages
12
ISSN
0272-4324
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11090-009-9168-0
Publication date
2009
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
103018 Materials physics
Portal url
https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/functionalizing-singlewall-carbon-nanotubes-in-hollow-cathode-glow-discharges(97591b0b-25f3-40f6-9f13-4bb9467eb0de).html