Synthesis and surface functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with imidazolium and pyridinium-based ionic liquids: Thermal stability, dispersibility and hydrophobicity characteristics
作者:Mzukisi Matandabuzo、Peter A. Ajibade
DOI:10.1016/j.molliq.2018.07.028
日期:2018.10
Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized by simple chemical method, and dispersed using imidazolium and pyridinium-based ionic liquids (ILs). The as-synthesized ILs-MWCNT composites were studied using FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and solubility in different polar and non-polar solvents. Spectroscopic and microscopy analyses confirmed the formation of the ILs-MWCNT composites with new functionalities. Spectra studies showed graphitic and carboxylic groups in the pure MWCNTs. MWCNT SEM images showed entangled bundles, while ILs-MWCNTs showed debundled composites with increased diameter and unaltered MWCNTs morphology. TGA indicates that the MWCNTs are thermally stable which could be ascribed to van der Waals and non-covalent interactions within the composites matrices. Solubility studies indicate the ILs-MWCNT composites are hydrophobic, insoluble in water and other polar solvents. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.