Incorporation of organic groups on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes using an ultrasonic tip

Abstract

ABSTRACTMulti-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been used to solve problems in different fields due to their mechanical, electrical and nanometric properties. However, the tendency of CNTs to agglomerate, and their poor interactions with other molecules have hindered their use. Accordingly, CNTs have been modified mainly by heating under reflux with strong acids or bases, in some cases for up to 72 h. In this study, the surfaces of MWCNTs were modified with 1,4-diaminobutane dihydrochloride (DB) and oxalic acid dihydrate (OX) using an ultrasonic tip (25 mm) at 20 kHz and a temperature of 67–80°C. Three different ultrasound times were employed: 20, 32 and 64 min. The most significant changes to the MWCNTs were observed when they were modified with DB (N 1s (11.05%) and Cl 2p (1.01%)) and OX (C 1s (74.69%) and O 1s (25.31%)) at 20 min, 68°C and 32 min, 70°C, respectively.