Functionalization and dispersion in a polymer-matrix of single-wall carbon nanotubes: a FT-IR study

The exceptional structural, mechanical, chemical and electronic properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) make them suitable for the development of a completely new class of sensors and actuators, biosensors, electrochemical capacitors and supercapacitors. As a result, the study of CNT-based nanostructured and functional materials has become an interesting theme. In particular, the formation of CNT/polymer composites, besides possible improvements in the mechanical and electrical properties of polymers, is considered as a promising approach for the assembling of hybrid CNTs-polymer devices. However, manipulation and processing of SWCNTs is generally limited by their insolubility in most common solvents. Considerable effort has therefore been devoted to the chemical modification and derivation of carbon nanotubes. In this work, we described different treatments of carbon nanotube materials and a FT-IR study to demonstrate the functionalization of SWCNTs.