Functionalization and solubilization of thin multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The reaction of thin multiwalled carbon nanotubes with a mixture of concentrated HNO₃ and H₂SO₄ has been studied by IR absorption and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The results indicate the attachment of-C(O)OH groups to nanotubes and subsequent conversion of these groups to-C(O)Cl groups via reaction with SOCl₂ and then to-C(O)NR₂ via reaction with didodecylamine. The yield of the carboxylated nanotubes is 53%, and that of the amidated nanotubes is 28%. The O:C atomic ratio in the carboxylated tubes is 1.0:9.0. The solubility of the carboxylated tubes in water is 3.13 g/l, and that of the amidated tubes in chloroform is 1.30 g/l.