Microwave Irradiation in Carbon Nanotube Chemistry

Other derivatives of [60]fullerene that have been the subject of substantial attention are the alkali-metal fullerides - mainly since the discovery of superconductivity in K3C60 (66). Synthesis of these systems usually involves combination of stoichiometric quantities of alkali metal and Ceo- Solid-state synthesis required long reaction times, however - typically several days. Use of a microwave-induced argon plasma led to reaction times in the order of seconds [68]. 

Carbon nanotubes (CNs) were discovered by lijima in 1991 [69], since when they have been regarded as materials of exceptional interest. This high level of interest is not only because of their remarkable electronic properties, their extremely desirable mechanical properties (strength and flexibility), or their good physical and chemical properties [70], but also because of to their potential applications (hydrogen storage, chemical sensors, nanoelectronic devices, components for high performance composites) [71]. 

Carbon nanotubes are shells of sp -hybridized carbon atoms that form a hexagonal network within a tubular motif closed at the ends by hemispherical endcaps. Manufactured as single-walled (SWNTs) or multi-walled (MWNTs) systems with different diameters and lengths, each type of CN has different properties. 

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