The 1D structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) endows them with outstanding electronic, thermal. and mechanical properties. Potential applications of these unique materials span from nanoeletronics to sensors, from biomaterials to drug delivery. However, all proposed applications have so far been limited by their virtual insolubility in most organic and aqueous solvents and their tendency to aggregate into packed ropes or entangled networks. Thus, the dispersion and dissolution of CNTs is recognized to be an important step for their application. To favour the disaggregation of bundles and the dispersion of individual nanotubes in solution we have followed the non-covalent strategy, based on the adsorption of suitable molecules on the nanotube surface. The advantage of this strategy is the achievement of a functionalization which ensures CNTs with elected properties while preserving their extended pi-electron networks. Within this contribution, we will review our most recent achievements in the field of disaggregation and their applications in material science and medicinal chemistry.
Dispersion and processing of carbon nanotubes
FONTANA, Antonella
2011-01-01
Abstract
The 1D structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) endows them with outstanding electronic, thermal. and mechanical properties. Potential applications of these unique materials span from nanoeletronics to sensors, from biomaterials to drug delivery. However, all proposed applications have so far been limited by their virtual insolubility in most organic and aqueous solvents and their tendency to aggregate into packed ropes or entangled networks. Thus, the dispersion and dissolution of CNTs is recognized to be an important step for their application. To favour the disaggregation of bundles and the dispersion of individual nanotubes in solution we have followed the non-covalent strategy, based on the adsorption of suitable molecules on the nanotube surface. The advantage of this strategy is the achievement of a functionalization which ensures CNTs with elected properties while preserving their extended pi-electron networks. Within this contribution, we will review our most recent achievements in the field of disaggregation and their applications in material science and medicinal chemistry.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
