Evaluation of interactions of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with benzoic acid and its 2-halogeno derivatives and their cytotoxicity

Abstract

In this study, interactions of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with benzoic acid and 2-halogeno (F−, Cl− and Br−) derivatives were investigated. In addition, these compounds were determined to be cytotoxic on Primary Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells. Adsorption percentages of MWCNTs exposed to these acids at the same concentration for 24 hours were calculated. Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrocsopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) techniques were used to determine the chemical and physical changes caused by acid species on the structure of MWCNTs. As a result of the investigations, it was determined that 2-bromobenzoic acid (BrBA) was adsorbed most favorably by the structure. The structure adsorbed the benzoic acid derivatives better than benzoic acid (BA). The least defect occurred in the sample subjected to BrBA. It was found that there was no correlation between absorption rates and defect occurrences in the structure. SEM results indicate aggregation, tube curl, and filling in inter-tube spaces in samples where absorption is intense. In FT-IR spectra of all structures obtained, the characteristic vibration band related to MWCNTs, and C = O stretching vibration band of the benzoic acid and its derivatives were observed around 1450 and 1680 cm−1, respectively.