Abstract
Covalent surface functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)s with different natural amino acids was successfully carried out under microwave irradiation. The process is fast, one-pot, simple and resulted in a high degree of functionalization as well as dispersibility in organic solvents. Surface functionality groups and morphology of MWCNTs were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results consistently confirmed the formation of amino acid functionalities on MWCNTs which is available for further chemistry, while the structure of MWCNT has remained relatively intact. These results illustrate a direct pathway to functionalize MWCNTs for building nanostructures. The amino acid-functionalized MWCNTs could be easily dispersed in common organic solvents.