Issue 13, 2013

Radiation-induced grafting of carbon nanotubes on HPLC silica microspheres: theoretical and practical aspects

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were grafted for the first time by γ-radiation onto silica microspheres in the presence of polybutadiene (PB) as the linking agent, obtaining a novel hybrid material with chromatographic properties, with an alternative approach to the existing procedures. The synthesis involves the one-pot γ-radiation-induced grafting of MWCNTs onto silica microspheres in the presence of PB as a linking agent. PB also serves as a coating layer of the silica particles, to which MWCNTs are anchored through stable chemical bonds formed via radical chain reaction with the polymer. The product (MWCNT-PB-modified silica) resulted in MWCNT bundles interlaying the silica particles which acted as a support and as a spacer. This new material highlights the unquestionable properties of CNTs also when grafted in a composite, thus allowing the disposition of a more robust material whose properties are still related to the nanotube structure. The grafting was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The surface area, determined by BET isotherms, resulted in 132 m2 g−1, about 34% lower than that of pure silica, pointing to the cross-linking effect of PB in the silica matrix. The evaluation of MWCNT-PB-modified silica as a LC stationary phase was performed by separation of aromatics, with satisfactory resolution and reproducibility, while structural selectivity was proved by isomer separation. A good resolution was obtained also for acid/basic compounds as barbiturates. A comparison with a commercial C18 sorbent highlighted the advantage in using the CNT column for separating aromatic hydrocarbons. Control experiments on the PB-coated silica column proved the key role of MWCNTs in the chromatographic performance.

Graphical abstract: Radiation-induced grafting of carbon nanotubes on HPLC silica microspheres: theoretical and practical aspects

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
22 Jan 2013
Accepted
19 Apr 2013
First published
23 Apr 2013

Analyst, 2013,138, 3778-3785

Radiation-induced grafting of carbon nanotubes on HPLC silica microspheres: theoretical and practical aspects

A. Speltini, D. Merli, D. Dondi, C. Milanese, P. Galinetto, C. Bozzetti and A. Profumo, Analyst, 2013, 138, 3778 DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00163F

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