Describe a general way to attach R groups to CNT's using amines and F.

Describe a general way to attach R groups to CNT's using amines and F.

Get F to stick out, react primary amines with the fluorinated CNTs to yield secondary amines bound to the CNTs.

Explain how fluorine allows us to put virtually any R on a CNT.

Explain how fluorine allows us to put virtually any R on a CNT.

Fluorine is a good leaving group which can be replaced easily by other functional groups by using standard Grignard reagents (MgBr), alkyllithium reagents (RLi), or alkyl peroxides. In this way it is possible to attach, in principle, any organic compound R to the walls of the CNTs.

For halogenation of carbon nanotubes- this is the halogen of choice - what special property does it offer?

For halogenation of carbon nanotubes- this is the halogen of choice - what special property does it offer?

fluorine - degree of fluorination can be controlled with the temperature of the reaction which can vary from room temperature to 600ºC. Fluorine is a good leaving group which can be replaced easily by other functional groups by using standard Grignard reagents (MgBr), alkyllithium reagents (RLi), or alkyl peroxides.

Two main issues that end up being great for us when trying to surface functionalize carbon nanotubes.

Two main issues that end up being great for us when trying to surface functionalize carbon nanotubes.

1. Surface functionalization always modifies the electronic properties of the material, complicating the characterization. But! This is awesome for sensors because if you can modify conductivity of CNTs by adsorbing molecules on them, they would make an excellent base for a sensor.

2. Issue with the relative inertness of the sp2 bonded graphene sheets that comprise the nanotubes. The curvature of the nanotube puts a relative strain on the sp2 bonds - the ideal geometry would be planar for sp2 carbon. But! This strain increases their reactivity due to increased surface energy.