Chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (3-MPTS)

Abstract

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were functionalized by oxidation with potassium permanganate using a phase transfer catalyst. The functionalized nanotubes (f-CNTs) were allowed to react with a functional chemical such as 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (3-MPTS). The f-CNTs and the reaction product of f-CNTs and 3-MPTS (fs-CNTs) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and energy dispersion spectroscopy and also by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The MWNTs attached to the organofunctional moieties have a greater versatility for further utilization of nanotubes in different applications.