Polymer Grafting of Carbon Nanotubes Using Living Free‐Radical Polymerization

Abstract

The chemistry of carbon nanotubes has become an area of intense research as chemical derivatization is the only means for modifying the properties of these highly interesting and technologically promising materials. Specifically, numerous researchers have focused on improving the solubility of carbon nanotubes through chemical grafting. To this end, significant recent effort has been devoted to the attachment of polymers to the nanotube surface, as macromolecules can be more effective in modifying nanotube solubility properties than small molecules. In addition, the use of functional polymers has enabled the preparation of polymer-nanotube composite materials that demonstrate a variety of interesting properties, such as responsiveness to environmental stimuli (solvent, temperature, pH), the ability to complex metal ions, and photoinduced electron transport. A variety of different techniques have now been developed for the functionalization of carbon nanotubes with polymers, including "grafting to", "grafting from", and supramolecular interactions. This review will focus on recent developments in the use of living radical polymerization methods for the functionalization of carbon nanotubes with well-defined polymers.

Effective functionalization of carbon nanotubes for bisphenol F epoxy matrix composites

“…One is uniform dispersion of CNTs; another is good adhesion between CNTs and the host polymer matrix. These two qualities must be achieved without destroying the integrity of the CNTs and the polymer [21][22][23][24][25] . Chemical functionalization of CNTs was explored as an effective method of achieving the aforementioned goal.…”

A versatile, solvent-free methodology for the functionalisation of carbon nanotubes

“…18 Free radical reactions are a common approach to nanotube functionalisation and macromolecule grafting, 55 specifically; they divide into two general strategies. 19 In the "grafting-to" approach, free radicals are generated in the supporting solvent and subsequently terminated on the CNT surface; examples include the reaction of CNTs with presynthesised, azide-or nitroxyl-terminated macromolecules 20, 60 21 , or photolysable organic iodides. 22 The "grafting-from" approach involves the polymerisation of monomers from traditional initiating species that have been first immobilised on the nanotube surface.…”

Polymers Grafted to Single‐walled Carbon Nanotubes by Radical Polymerization

“…[1,5,8] Surfactants or polymers containing functional groups that adsorb to the sidewalls of SWCNT assist their dispersion into water or organic solvent with sonication or vigorous mechanical agitation. Many of the reported aqueous dispersions of individual SWCNT employ large excesses of anionic surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate or sodium cholate or polyelectrolytes such as poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate).…”