Thionine-mediated chemistry of carbon nanotubes

Abstract Thionine can be employed as a kind of useful functional molecule for the non-covalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes, as it shows a strong interaction with either SWNTs or MWNTs. Attachment of thionine molecules onto the sidewalls of carbon nanotubes would improve the solubility and lower the thermal stability of original carbon nanotubes. More importantly, it may functionalize the surface of carbon nanotubes with rich NH2 groups and therefore open up more opportunities for the surface chemistry of carbon nanotubes. It has been proved that through the modification of small thionine molecules, other kinds of species such as cytochrome C and TiO2 nanoparticles could be easily and selectively introduced onto the surface of carbon nanotubes. With this approach, SWNTs or MWNTs can be tailored with desired functional structures and properties.