Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis, Structure,
Functionalization, and Characterization
Valeria Anna Zamolo, Ester Vazquez, and Maurizio Prato
Abstract Carbon nanotubes have generated great expectations in the scientific
arena, mainly due to their spectacular properties, which include a high aspect ratio,
high strain resistance, and high strength, along with high conductivities. Nowadays,
carbon nanotubes are produced by a variety of methods, each of them with
advantages and disadvantages. Once produced, carbon nanotubes can be chemically
modified, using a wide range of chemical reactions. Functionalization makes these
long wires much easier to manipulate and dispersible in several solvents. In
addition, the properties of carbon nanotubes can be combined with those of organic
appendages. Finally, carbon nanotubes need to be carefully characterized, either as
pristine or modified materials.
Keywords Carbon nanotubes
Characterization
Functionalization
Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................... 67
2 Production of SWCNTs and MWCNTs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
2.1 Arc Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
2.2 Laser Ablation . ......................................................................... 70
2.3 Chemical Vapor Deposition . . ......................................................... 71
2.4 Solar Energy . ........................................................................... 73
2.5 Electrolysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
