Assemblies of single-walled carbon nanotubes generated by covalent cross-linking with organic linkers

Abstract

We report the synthesis, characterization and gas adsorption properties of assemblies of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) covalently cross-linked by organic linkers prepared by using the Sonogashira coupling reaction. Two different linkers, 1,4-diethynylbenzene and 4,4′-diethynylbiphenyl, have been used to covalently crosslink iodobenzene functionalized SWNTs, resulting in the formation of three-dimensional assemblies, ASWNT-1 and ASWNT-2. These assemblies exhibit high surface areas of 742 and 788 m² g⁻¹, respectively, while pristine SWNTs have a surface area of 400 m² g⁻¹. Enhancement in CO₂ and H₂ uptake capacities is also observed in the ASWNTs.