An improved method for functionalisation of carbon nanotube spun yarns with aryldiazonium compounds

Abstract We report a method for modifying carbon nanotube (CNT) spun yarns with aryldiazonium salts that involves the pH controlled application of the diazonium salts to CNTs both during and after the yarn formation process. This largely facilitates the chemical accessibility to CNTs within the yarn, potentially enabling a more extensive and uniform modification. The modified CNT yarns were characterised by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and also examined for their mechanical properties. The results demonstrated that a CNT spun yarn was effectively modified by this method without impairing the yarn integrity. The formation of oligomerised polyene structures on the CNT surfaces was observed. This modification resulted in an increase in tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the CNT yarn. The functional groups grafted on CNTs also provide opportunities to form crosslinks in the yarn to further improve mechanical properties.