Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiated by aryl diazonium salts: a new route for surface modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by tethered polymer chains

We report for the first time on grafting of poly( n-methyl methacrylate), (PMMA), and polystyrene (PS) brushes by ATRP from the surface of aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) which were electrochemically treated with brominated aryl groups based on diazonium salts. The polymer brushes formed amorphous coatings, as evidenced by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, by comparison to the nanotube structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed the presence of PS and PMMA by their characteristic C1s and valence band features. Well-aligned MWCNT network allowed us to sheath individual MWCNTs with polymer brushes while keeping the initial MWCNT alignment structure. This method opens up new avenues for the elaboration of polymer/NT hybrids.