Aryl diazonium functionalization of carbon nanohorns

Carbon nanohorns (CNHs) are a relatively new material within the family of elongated carbon nanostructures. A strategy for their solubilization is presented here. Aryl diazonium functionalization of CNHs has been achieved giving rise to soluble materials in common organic solvents as well as water. The modified CNHs have been characterized by complementary spectroscopic and microscopic means as well as thermal gravimetric analysis and dynamic light scattering measurements.