Generating novel structures of nanotubes via chemical functionalization method with potential application in nanotechnology
IV-5: Generating Novel structures of Nanotubes via Chemical Functionalization method with potential application in nanotechnology |
||||||||
Loh Teck Peng, Division of Chemistry and Biological chemistry, NTU |
||||||||
Abstract |
||||||||
|
Carbon nanotubes discovered in 1991 has attracted tremendous attention because of its enormous potential for application in technologies such as micro-electronics / semiconductors, conducting composites, controlled drug delivery/release, artificial muscles, supercapacitors, batteries, Field emission flat panel displays, Field Effect transistors and Single electron transistors, Nano lithography, Nano electronics, Doping, Nano balance, Nano tweezers, Data storage, Magnetic nanotube, Nanogear, Nanotube actuator, Molecular Quantum wires, Hydrogen Storage, Noble radioactive gas storage, Waste recycling, Electromagnetic shielding, Dialysis Filters, Thermal protection, Nanotube reinforced composites, Reinforcement of armour and other materials, Reinforcement of polymer, Avionics, Collision-protection materials, etc.
However, research into carbon nanotubes has, in the past, mainly concentrated on the investigation of their physical properties. The size of these macromolecular carbon allotropes and the continuous development of the fields of scanning tunneling microscopy and electron spectroscopy have made it possible to conduct precise investigations of individual molecules. These studies have shown that carbon nanotubes possess an array of unprecedented structural, mechanical, and electronic properties. Most recently, it has been demonstrated that chemical functionalization of nanotubes may provide opportunity for the design and synthesis of novel structures of nanotubes having wide range properties. It also provides opportunity for organic chemists to tailor make new nanotubes or to combine them with other materials generating materials with special properties. It has also been demonstrated nanotubes can be chemically functionalization not only to improve solubility and processibility but also allows the unique properties of single-walled nanotubes to be coupled to those of other types of materials to tailor their chemical and physical properties towards desired uses. Among the approaches, molecular and supramolecular chemical approaches are the most common. These approaches include defect functionalization, covalent functionalization of sidewalls, noncovalent exohedral functionalization, for example, formation of supramolecular adducts with surfactants or polymers, and endohedral functionalization. In this way, for example, a range of nanotubes can be prepared: with sidewall substituents, wrapped with polymers or guest molecules included. This has significantly expanded the usage of carbon nanotubes. Our goal is fully exploit the power of organic synthesis to carry out chemical functionalization of nanotubes to design and tailor their chemical and physical properties towards specific use. We intend to use reactive species such as radical to carry out side wall functionalization. |
