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Abstract: Herein a simple and effective approach is introduced to functionalize single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by in-situ grafting of hydroxyapatite (HA). The pristine SWCNTs were chemically activated through introduction of carboxylic groups on their surfaces by refluxing in the mixture of H2SO4 and HNO3. The resulting carboxylated SWCNTs were further utilized for grafting of HA. The Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopic studies demonstrated the formation of HA and its grafting over SWCNTs. The phase composition of HA and existence Ca2+ and PO4 3− ions were studied using X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analyses, respectively. The surface morphology of functionalized SWCNTs was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the existence of HA on SWCNTs by exhibiting different thermogram for pure HA and functionalized SWCNTs. Overall, this method produced uniform grafting of low crystalline HA on carboxylated SWCNTs with strong interfacial bonding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A strategy for the functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes is reported. The synthesis involved the conversion of fluorinated single-walled carbon nanotubes to the thiolated derivative assisted by phosphorous pentasulfide. The thiol group is then quantitatively oxidized to the sulfonic acid group. The extent of oxidation of the thiol precursor is confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which proved to be immensely useful to discriminate between the –SH and –SO3H with a chemical shift for the sulfur 2p (approx. 5eV). The functionalized carbon nanotubes were further characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy which revealed a significant change in morphology between the fluoro carbon nanotubes, the thiol and sulfonic acid-modified carbon nanotubes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]