Covalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes with tetramanganese complexes

Abstract

We present first results on the covalent chemical functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with polynuclear {Mn 4 } coordination complexes. Raman spectra prove that the reaction can only be achieved for tubes which have been oxidized to create carboxylic groups. HRTEM is used to show that the reaction can be carried out directly on a substrate as well. Analysis of the D/G intensity ratio for different oxidation times shows that it is possible to reduce the amount of defects created. This is important for the future application of this material in transport devices.

Controlled covalent binding of antiferromagnetic tetramanganese complexes to carbon nanotubes

“…We recently briey reported on the effectiveness of the binding reaction. 24 Here, we expand on these results and demonstrate control of the density of functionalization of the nanotube as well as of the magnetic properties of the attached complex, two prerequisites for the application of the system in a spintronics setting.…”

“…In the case of carbon nanotubes grown on a substrate however, air oxidation is necessary to introduce defects in the initially almost pristine nanotubes, and the duration of the oxidation can be used to control the density of the defects. 24…”

Quantum transport in carbon nanotubes covalently functionalized with magnetic molecules

“…After fabrication of the electronic devices, the CNTs were oxidized in air at T = 450 °C for 2 min to induce carboxylic groups, which serve as binding sites for the manganese complexes . Subsequently, the sample was immersed in a solution of the {Mn 4 } complexes (10 mM in acetonitrile) in order to functionalize the CNTs via ligand exchange.…”