A new straightforward and green approach for the covalent functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was developed. This carbon nanostructure was efficiently derivatized by polymerizing proper deep eutectic monomers (DEM), a subclass of deep eutectic solvents (DES), based on a series of mono- and bis-vinyl imidazolium salts endowed with different functional groups (–OH, –NH2, –NH3+Br–) in the side chain or in the spacer. Herein, DEM systems played a triple role as convenient dispersion media for MWCNTs, efficient reactive systems, and also as structure-directing agents for the radical-initiated polymerization process onto the surface of MWCNTs. In addition, the new methodology allowed obtaining highly functionalized hybrid materials, as shown by thermogravimetric analyses, in short reaction times (<1h). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the polymeric network orderly develops along the surface of the nanotubes, which act as templating agent for both mono- and bis-vinyl imidazolium salts, despite the random nature of the polymerization process for the latter species. This new functionalization strategy of MWCNTs stands out for its environmentally friendly and time-saving nature leading to the formation of materials with significant potential for applications in a plethora of research fields. As a proof of their possible application, we tested these new hybrid materials as recoverable and recyclable catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates under solvent-free conditions, showing good catalytic performances, even in the absence of additional co-catalysts.

Valentino L., Di Forti R., Morena A., Aprile C., Gruttadauria M., Giacalone F., et al. (2024). Polymerizable deep eutectic solvents: Convenient reactive dispersion media for the preparation of novel multi-walled carbon nanotubes-based functional materials. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL, 489 [10.1016/j.cej.2024.151447].

Polymerizable deep eutectic solvents: Convenient reactive dispersion media for the preparation of novel multi-walled carbon nanotubes-based functional materials

Valentino L.;Di Forti R.;Aprile C.;Gruttadauria M.
;
Giacalone F.
;
Campisciano V.
2024-01-01

Abstract

A new straightforward and green approach for the covalent functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was developed. This carbon nanostructure was efficiently derivatized by polymerizing proper deep eutectic monomers (DEM), a subclass of deep eutectic solvents (DES), based on a series of mono- and bis-vinyl imidazolium salts endowed with different functional groups (–OH, –NH2, –NH3+Br–) in the side chain or in the spacer. Herein, DEM systems played a triple role as convenient dispersion media for MWCNTs, efficient reactive systems, and also as structure-directing agents for the radical-initiated polymerization process onto the surface of MWCNTs. In addition, the new methodology allowed obtaining highly functionalized hybrid materials, as shown by thermogravimetric analyses, in short reaction times (<1h). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the polymeric network orderly develops along the surface of the nanotubes, which act as templating agent for both mono- and bis-vinyl imidazolium salts, despite the random nature of the polymerization process for the latter species. This new functionalization strategy of MWCNTs stands out for its environmentally friendly and time-saving nature leading to the formation of materials with significant potential for applications in a plethora of research fields. As a proof of their possible application, we tested these new hybrid materials as recoverable and recyclable catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates under solvent-free conditions, showing good catalytic performances, even in the absence of additional co-catalysts.
2024
Valentino L., Di Forti R., Morena A., Aprile C., Gruttadauria M., Giacalone F., et al. (2024). Polymerizable deep eutectic solvents: Convenient reactive dispersion media for the preparation of novel multi-walled carbon nanotubes-based functional materials. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL, 489 [10.1016/j.cej.2024.151447].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10447/636436
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