Surface Modification of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes by Poly(2‐vinylpyridine): Dispersion, Selective Deposition, and Decoration of the Nanotubes

Polymer modification of carbon nanotubes is accomplished using a “grafting-to” approach. Radicals formed by the thermolysis of poly(2-vinylpyridine) terminated with a radical-stabilizing nitroxide can react with the surface of nanotubes (see Figure), resulting in grafting densities up to 12 wt.-%. The modified nanotubes, which are easily dispersed in water, can immobilize metal nanoclusters on their surfaces.