Two-Step Alkylation of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Substituent Effect on Sidewall Functionalization

A two-step alkylation of single-walled carbon nanotubes was investigated. The functionalized SWNTs were characterized with vis-NIR and Raman spectrometers, scanning electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis. This one-pot alkylation of SWNTs with alkyllithium followed by alkyl halide is useful for the sidewall functionalization of SWNTs. This reaction shows significant substituent effects on the degree of functionalization of SWNTs. The degree of functionalization on SWNTs sidewall upon SWNTs may influence their characteristic properties on SWNTs sidewall by the substituent effects.