Water solubilization of single-walled carbon nanotubes by functionalization with glucosamine

Water solubilization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has been achieved by functionalizing the SWNT with glucosamine. The grafting of glucosamine to the nanotubes was attained by producing acyl chloride on the carboxylic groups associated with the nanotubes. Subsequently, amide bonds were formed between the glucosamine and the SWNT. This grafting results in solubility of SWNT in water, which ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 mg/mL, depending on temperature.