Covalently functionalized carbon nanotubes and their electrical properties

• Main Author: Zhang, Kang
• Other Authors: Nicola Marzari
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/62245
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are promising candidates for nano-electronic applications largely due to their excellent electrical and electronic properties. However, in many of the applications, covalent functionalizations to SWCNTs are inevitable and these covalent modifications generally degrade significantly their electrical conductivities, as well as modify their electronic band structures. In view of this problem, many theorists proposed that a special type of covalent functionalizations, [2+1] cycloaddition, would not have such disadvantages. In this thesis, the diameter dependent reactivity of the [2+1] cycloaddition to SWCNTs is experimentally demonstrated through dichlorocarbene functionalization. The electrical conductivities of [2+1] cycloaddition functionalized SWCNTs are also tested. Finally, the local electrical properties of covalent functionalized SWCNTs are characterized utilizing contactless electrostatic force microscopy and dielectric force microscopy techniques. Our results suggest that [2+1] cycloaddition is likely an outstanding choice to covalently functionalize SWCNTs, while leaving their electrical and electronic properties largely unaffected.