title: Organic functionalization of carbon nanotubes.
abstract: A very general and versatile method for functionalizing different types of carbon nanotubes is described, using the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides. Approximately one organic group per 100 carbon atoms of the nanotube is introduced, to yield remakably soluble bundles of nanotubes, as seen in transmission electron micrographs. The solubilization of the nanotubes generates a novel, interesting class of materials, which combines the properties of the nanotubes and the organic moiety, thus offering new opportunities for applications in materials science, including the preparation of nanocomposites.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Vasilios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Georgakilas
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kordatos
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Prato
authors.forename: Dirk M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Guldi
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Holzinger
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hirsch