Functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine and its cobalt complex.

The reaction of N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine with fluorinated carbon nanotubes (F-CNT) produced the corresponding aminoalkylalkoxysilane functionalized carbon nanotubes. Cobalt salt is then complexed to this functionalized carbon nanotubes by the addition of cobalt chloride to form cobalt complexed nanocomposite in high yield. This composite and precursors were characterized by using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectral (EDS) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The nanoparticulate metal complexes of functionalized carbon nanotubes generate new nanostructure with several practical applications. The reaction of N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine with cobalt (II) chloride salt afford the cobalt complex nanoparticles, with particle sizes less than 10 nm.