Microwave assist functionalization of multi walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

There are many technique to increase reactivity of carbon nanotubes, this article study a improvement in oxidation and silanization procedures. Two oxidation methods are frequently used in carbon nanotubes: the conventional acid treatment, and the microwave treatment. The nanotubes oxidation was studied using microwaves and varying power and time of exposure. Compared to conventional acid treatment, the use of microwave provides benefits in speeding the reaction time, lowest amount of acids required and agitation is not needed. The present procedure was successful in the functionalization of carbon nanotubes with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, which is a coupling agents that have a unique feature, bound organic to inorganic molecules.