The immobilization of homogeneous catalysts is a continuing goal for combining the advantages of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. However, a significant loss in catalytic activity is often found in the immobilization of a homogeneous catalyst. Herein, we report a novel strategy consisting of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) functionalized with homogeneous catalysts that are developed to combine the positive aspects of solid and soluble supports. Using the oxidation of alcohols as a model reaction, the supported catalysts (MWNTs-TEMPO) can be homogeneously dispersed in the reaction medium to conquer the mass transfer limitation, which leads to their catalytic activity being far superior to their heterogeneous counterpart and similar to their parent catalysts. In addition, they exhibit the additional advantages of characterization with solution-based techniques, easy separation and reutilization.

A surface-initiated immortal alternating polymerization of CO 2 and epoxides was presented on the solid materials. By means of rapid and reversible chain transfer, surface-initiated immortal CO 2 /propylene oxide copolymerization was carried out on the surface of oxidized carbon nanotubes at room temperature. The content and thickness of the functional moieties could be facilely controlled by adjusting the feed ratio of the catalysts to propylene oxide. The modification was featured with the high grafting weight fraction above 90%. The functionalized carbon nanotubes were characterized with FTIR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, SEM, TEM, and TGA. Moreover, the 10 flexible conductive films can be easily fabricated according to the their high dispersion in organic solution. Functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes were incorporated into a polycarbonate matrix to improve mechenical property.

The title catalyst combines positive aspects of solid as well as soluble supports, e.g., homogeneous dispersion in the reaction medium, easy recovery, solution-based characterization, and a catalytic activity superior to heterogeneous catalysis. -(WANG*, Y.; SONG, X.; SHAO, S.; ZHONG, H.; LIN, F.; RSC Adv. 2 (2012) 20, 7693-7698, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c2ra21206d ; State Key Lab. Fine Chem., Dalian Univ. Technol.,