Tuning the Solubility Parameters of Carbon Nanotubes by Means of Their Adducts with Janus Pyrrole Compounds

Abstract

The solubility parameters of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was tuned via their chemical modification with pyrrole compounds (PyCs), by means of a simple and sustainable methodology. PyCs were synthesized with high atom efficiency through the Paal–Knorr reaction of primary amines with 2,5-hexanedione, in the absence of solvents and catalysts. Methylamine, 1-dodecylamine, 2-amino-1,3-propanediol, and 3-(triethoxysilyl)propan-1-amine were selected. PyCs are characterized by two moieties, the pyrrole ring and the substituent of the nitrogen atom, and can be considered as Janus molecules. The functionalization of CNTs occurred with a high yield by simply heating CNTs and PyC. The whole reaction pathway did not produce any waste and was characterized by a carbon efficiency up to almost 100%. Thanks to the variety of PyC chemical structures, the CNT solubility parameter was modified in a pretty broad range of values, in the expected direction. Stable CNT dispersions were prepared in different solvents. From the aqueous dispersion, coating layers were prepared with high electrical conductivity, larger with respect to a top commercial product. The “pyrrole methodology” reported here is based on one reaction and allows almost infinite variations of the CNT solubility parameter, thus promoting their compatibility with target matrices and allowing the preparation of nanocomposite materials with improved properties. This work thus paves the way for a highly efficient exploitation of CNTs.