Polymerization Of SWCNTs With Di‐Nitrens

The question of possible technological applications quickly aroused after the discovery of the unique physical properties of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). In this context, a wide range of initial approaches towards organic nanotube chemistry have been developed within the last few years. This also includes the covalent functionalization of the SWCNT sidewalls with nitrenes, carbenes or radicals, to increase solubility in organic solvents. With the use of bis‐alkoxycarbony‐lazides to create in‐situ di‐nitrenes, it should be possible to link individual SWCNTs and small bundles. The purpose of these experiments is to give the possibility for increasing the understanding of the chemical behaviour of SWCNTs and to provide further proofs for the occourance of this type of reaction. This can also be seen as a new way for forming nanotube materials for exploiting their unique mechanical properties. The results obtained are discussed in this presentation. SEM, XPS, XRD and Raman spectroscopy are used as characterization tools.