title: Chemi- vs physisorption in the radical functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes under microwaves.
abstract: The effect of microwaves on the functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by the diazonium method was studied. The usage of a new approach led to the identification of the strength of the interaction (physical or chemical) between the functional groups and the carbon nanotube surface. Moreover, the nature (chemical formula) of the adsorbed/grafted functional groups was determined. According to thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy, the optimal functionalization level was reached after 5 min of reaction. Prolonged reaction times can lead to undesired reactions such as defunctionalization, solvent addition and polymerization of the grafted functions. The strength (chemi- vs physisorption) of the bonds between the grafted functional groups and the SWNTs is discussed showing the occurrence of physical adsorption as a consequence of defunctionalization after 15 min of reaction under microwaves. Several chemical mechanisms of grafting could be identified, and it was possible to distinguish conditions leading to the desired chemical grafting from those leading to undesired reactions such as physisorption and polymerization.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire SRSMC UMR CNRS 7565, Université de Lorraine, 54506 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France.
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mamane
authors.affiliation: Institut Jean Lamour, CNRS-Université de Lorraine, BP 70239, 54506 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mercier
authors.affiliation: School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Junidah
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Abdul Shukor
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire de Chimie Physique-Approche Multi-échelle de Milieux Complexes-Université de Lorraine, 1 Bd Arago, 57078 Metz, France.
authors.forename: Jérôme
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gleize
authors.affiliation: School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Aziz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Azizan
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire SRSMC UMR CNRS 7565, Université de Lorraine, 54506 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France.
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fort
authors.affiliation: Institut Jean Lamour, CNRS-Université de Lorraine, BP 70239, 54506 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vigolo
keywords: carbon nanotubes; covalent functionalization; grafting; microwaves; physisorption