| Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess excellent tensile strength and electron transport properties that make them a promising component in future materials and technologies. The covalent cross-linking of carbon nanotubes is one avenue of producing thin, flexible mats that can be used in a variety of applications. Here we describe the cross-linking of functionalized CNTs through the Michael addition and imine formation reaction schemes. Our method of cross-linking is an improvement over traditional techniques such as laser irradiation because it is not detrimental to the nanotube structure. Our method also does not rely on weak van der Waals interactions that are sometimes used in the synthesis of nanotube mats. Furthermore, our filtration-from-suspension procedure can be readily scaled up for industrial use and does not require high pressure or high temperature reaction chambers. Such CNT-based composites can be used in a wide variety of applications. We demonstrate their use in a hydrogen sensor and a dye-sensitized solar cell. |
