Chemical reaction of reagents covalently confined to a nanotube surface: Nanotube-mediated redox chemistry

We present the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as nanoreaction vessels to confine chemical reactions within the carbon nano-test tube. This is achieved by functionalizing two redox reagents, anthraquinonnyl and 4-nitrophenyl groups, on the same CNT. It was found that the CNT can mediate the chemical reaction between the two redox reagents and generate 4-arylamine groups at the CNT surface. The reaction can proceed only when both the reagents are confined on the same CNT; if the reagents are located on different tubes, reaction ceases.