Rapid microwave synthesis of chitosan modified carbon nanotube composites

Chitosan modified multi-walled carbon nanotube composites were synthesized under microwave irradiation. The resultant chitosan modified multi-walled carbon nanotube composites were purified by twice adjusting of pH value of the solution and centrifugating in succession. The surface functional groups of chitosan modified multi-walled carbon nanotube composites are confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopic images further show the morphologic changes of the carbon nanotubes. Thermal gravimetric analysis shows that the chitosan content in the chitosan modified multi-walled carbon nanotube composites is much higher than conventional methods. The whole reaction procedure can be completed in 1 h under microwave irradiation.