Covalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes with tetramanganese complexes

We present first results on the covalent chemical functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with polynuclear {Mn₄} coordination complexes. Raman spectra prove that the reaction can only be achieved for tubes which have been oxidized to create carboxylic groups. HRTEM is used to show that the reaction can be carried out directly on a substrate as well. Analysis of the D/G intensity ratio for different oxidation times shows that it is possible to reduce the amount of defects created. This is important for the future application of this material in transport devices.