| Abstract
| - A facile, solvent-free, low-level noncovalent method for the modification of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by tertiary phosphines is described. The modified SWNTs show greater ease of exfoliation into common organic solvents (such as dichloromethane, dimethylformamide, ethanol, and 1,2-dichlorobenzene) than unmodified nanotubes which is important for enhanced processability. AFM analysis shows a significant debundling of the SWNTs upon phosphine treatment. Interestingly, Raman spectroscopy and absorption spectroscopy in the near-infrared region indicate that the disruption of the intrinsic electronic structure of the nanotubes upon modification is minimal. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data obtained from the modified nanotubes suggest that the tertiary phosphines interact chemically, presumably via the lone pair of electrons on the phosphorus, with the “electron-deficient” nanotubes.
- Tertiary phosphines have been shown to interact with single-walled carbon nanotubes, and a significant debundling of the nanotubes is observed. This allows for greater ease of exfoliation into common organic solvents when compared to unmodified material.
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