Microwave-assisted functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with 3-chloropropene

We have reported a highly efficient approach to functionalize single-walled carbon nanotubes by electrophilic addition polymerization of 3-chloropropene under microwave irradiation. Using Lewis acids as catalysts, 3-chloropropene can undergo polymerization followed by hydrolysis with alkaline methanol, and thus the reaction results in the attachment of polymer chains and hydroxyl groups to the surface of the nanotubes. The resulting nanotubes were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The result shows that 30 min of irradiation time is enough to bring the reaction to the end and a longer time did not improve the degree of functionalization.