Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Through functionalization of carbon nanotubes, i.e., the attachment of appropriate chemical functionalities onto their conjugated sp² carbon scaffold, the prerequisites for faciliating the production of possible applications of such nanostructures are established. The derivatized tubes exhibit improved properties with respect to solubility and ease of dispersion, manipulation and processibility, and can be considered a true subdivision of organic molecules. In the present contribution, the current state of functionalization is reviewed, distinguishing between covalent and noncovalent functionalization, defect and sidewall functionalization, exohedral and endohedral functionalization and supramolecular complexation. The covalent functionalizations are classified according to their chemistry and type of reaction.