Confined growth of carbon nanoforms in one-dimension by fusion of anthracene rings inside the pores of MCM-41

We report a simple two-step procedure that uses anthracene, a cheap polyaromatic hydrocarbon with low melting point, as a molecular precursor to produce carbon nanoforms (CNFs). First, we describe the chemical synthesis of graphite from the fusion of anthracene rings at relatively low temperature (520 °C) followed by cyclodehydrogenation. Next, we extend this protocol to the synthesis of CNFs by confining the molecular precursor in a mesoporous host like MCM-41. The confined environment favors one-dimensional growth of CNFs with sizes controlled by the pores of the mesoporous host.

Influence of the covalent grafting of organic radicals to graphene on its magnetoresistance

Graphene was obtained by direct exfoliation of graphite in o-dichlorobenzene (oDCB) or benzylamine, and further functionalized with 4,4′-[(1,3-dioxo-1,3-propanediyl)bis(oxy)]bis[2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy] (1-TEMPO) organic radicals by using the Bingel–Hirsch cyclopropanation reaction. Here, the use of different solvents permits variation of the density of radicals anchored to the carbon layers. Covalent grafting is unambiguously demonstrated by TGA, μ-Raman, XPS and EPR measurements, which also rule out spurious physisorption. Our transport measurements indicate that the conduction mechanism varies as a function of the density of radicals grafted to the carbon layers. Moreover, t…

Charge transfer interactions in self-assembled single walled carbon nanotubes/Dawson–Wells polyoxometalate hybrids

We demonstrate the success in self-assembling pyrene-modified Dawson–Wells-type polyoxometalates (POMs) with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by means of π–π interactions. In this context, the immobilization of POMs onto SWCNTs is corroborated by aberration-corrected high-resolution electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. From steady-state and time-resolved photophysical techniques we derived evidence for mutual interactions between SWCNTs and POMs in the excited states. The latter are the inception to a charge transfer from the SWCNTs to the POMs. Our results corroborate the suitability of POM–SWCNTs assemblies for photoactive molecular devices.

Influence of the pH on the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide under hydrothermal conditions

Here we describe the important role played by the pH on the morphology and structure of the reduced graphite oxide (rGO) samples obtained by hydrothermal treatment of the previously prepared GO. The nature of the resulting samples has been studied on the basis of a complete battery of experimental techniques.

Single-Molecule Magnets: Electrostatic Anchoring of Mn4 Single-Molecule Magnets onto Chemically Modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (Adv. Funct. Mater. 5/2012)

Synthesis of brominated tetrathiafulvalenes via phosphite-mediated cross-coupling

The synthesis of polybrominated tetrathiafulvalenes (TTF-Brn, 2-4) containing 2-4 bromine atoms via phosphite-mediated cross-coupling of bromo-substituted 1,3-dithiole-2-thiones and 1,3-dithiole-2-ones is reported. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.

Controllable coverage of chemically modified graphene sheets with gold nanoparticles by thermal treatment of graphite oxide with N,N-dimethylformamide

Abstract We describe a simple chemical method to reduce and functionalize graphite oxide by reaction with dimethylformamide under controlled heating. Our experiments suggest that the reaction conditions assist the decomposition of the solvent to produce dimethylamine molecules that can react with the oxygen-rich functional groups covering the surface of the exfoliated layers of graphene, therefore generating chemically modified graphene (CMG). These N-functionalities have been next used as anchoring points for the grafting of Au nanoparticles. Given that the functionalization extent can be controlled with the temperature and reaction time, our approach can be considered as a straightforward…

Graphene electrochemical responses sense surroundings

Abstract Graphite oxide (GO) paper, obtained by direct filtration of exfoliated GO in water over PTFE membrane filters, was reduced by using hydrazine vapours. The graphene-paper thus obtained was characterized by the combination of different techniques. The electrochemical characterization by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and chronopotentiometry presents a strong influence of the working conditions: temperature, electrolyte concentration and current on the electrochemical responses, indicating a good ability of the material to sense ambient and working conditions. Electrochemical devices based on graphene are expected to work as dual, and simultaneous, sensing-actuators.

Electrostatic Anchoring of Mn4 Single-Molecule Magnets onto Chemically Modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

Two different routes that enable the electrostatic grafting of cationic single-molecule magnets (SMMs) onto the surface of chemically modified anionic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are described. The chemical nature and physical properties of the resulting hybrids are discussed on the basis of a complete battery of experimental techniques. The data show that the chemical nature of the SMM unit remains intact, while its magnetic response is significantly affected by the grafting process, which is likely due to surface effects.