| Summary: | We demonstrate Ullmann-type reactions as novel and advantageous functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) toward tunable surface chemistry. The functionalization routes comprise <i>O</i>-, <i>N</i>-, and <i>C</i>-arylation of chlorinated CNTs. We confirm the versatility and efficiency of the reaction allowing functionalization degrees up to 3.5 mmol g<sup>−1</sup> by applying both various nanotube substrates, i.e., single-wall (SWCNTs) and multi-wall CNTs (MWCNTs) of various chirality, geometry, and morphology as well as diverse Ullmann-type reagents: phenol, aniline, and iodobenzene. The reactivity of nanotubes was correlatable with the nanotube diameter and morphology revealing SWCNTs as the most reactive representatives. We have determined the optimized conditions of this two-step synthetic protocol as: (1) chlorination using iodine trichloride (ICl<sub>3</sub>), and (2) Ullmann-type reaction in the presence of: copper(I) iodide (CuI), 1,10-phenanthroline as chelating agent and caesium carbonate (Cs<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>) as base. We have analyzed functionalized CNTs using a variety of techniques, i.e., scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, comprehensive Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The analyses confirmed the purely covalent nature of those modifications at all stages. Eventually, we have proved the elaborated protocol as exceptionally tunable since it enabled us: (a) to synthesize superhydrophilic films from—the intrinsically hydrophobic—vertically aligned MWCNT arrays and (b) to produce printable highly electroconductive pastes of enhanced characteristics—as compared for non-modified and otherwise modified MWCNTs—for textronics.
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