Advanced Materials, Vol.16, No.23-24, 2123-2123, 2004
Surface modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by poly(2-vinylpyridine): Dispersion, selective deposition, and decoration of the nanotubes
Polymer modification of carbon nanotubes is accomplished using a "grafting-to" approach. Radicals formed by the thermolysis of poly(2-vinylpyridine) terminated with a radical-stabilizing nitroxide can react with the surface of nanotubes (see Figure), resulting in grafting densities up to 12 wt.-%. The modified nanotubes. which are easily dispersed in water. can immobilize metal nanoclusters on their surfaces.