A simple and rapid method to graft hydroxyapatite on carbon nanotubes

Herein a simple and effective approach is introduced to functionalize single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by in-situ grafting of hydroxyapatite (HA). The pristine SWCNTs were chemically activated through introduction of carboxylic groups on their surfaces by refluxing in the mixture of H2SO4 and HNO3. The resulting carboxylated SWCNTs were further utilized for grafting of HA. The Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopic studies demonstrated the formation of HA and its grafting over SWCNTs. The phase composition of HA and existence Ca2+ and PO43− ions were studied using X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analyses, respectively. The surface morphology of functionalized SWCNTs was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the existence of HA on SWCNTs by exhibiting different thermogram for pure HA and functionalized SWCNTs. Overall, this method produced uniform grafting of low crystalline HA on carboxylated SWCNTs with strong interfacial bonding.

A facile approach is demonstrated for effective functionalization of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by in-situ grafting of hydroxyapatite (HA) to improve hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of SWCNTs. This method produced uniform grafting of low crystalline HA on carboxylated SWCNTs with strong interfacial bonding.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► This method is facile and effective to graft HA on SWCNTs.
► As f-SWCNTs is a promising biomaterial to use without any further processing
► This technique is economic, easy to repeat and can be optimized for mass production.
► Ratio of Ca to P in f-SWCNTs was 1.65, which is near to ratio present in bone tissue.