Chemical modification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes using a tetrazine derivative

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been reacted with 3,6-diaminotetrazine under heating. This process involves series of interactions between tetrazines and carbon nanotubes including π–π interactions, cycloaddition (Diels–Alder) and cross-linking reactions. These interactions resulted in coating of the MWNTs and in the formation of Y-junctions between nanotubes. Long heating (48 h) of MWNTs with the terazine resulted in a partial destruction of nanotubes due to their excessive functionalisation. The new nanocomposites have been studied by TEM, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy.