Studies on the functionalization of MWNTs and their application as a recyclable catalyst for CC bond coupling reactions

• A novel method to attach ethylenediamine unit to MWNT was developed.
• Pd-CNT-ED-OH catalyst was prepared using reductive method to introduce Pd on the functionalized MWNT.
• Efficient Suzuki coupling reactions were achieved in the presence of the Pd-CNT-ED-OH nanoparticle catalysts.
• The catalyst was reused 7 times without any loss of activity.

Functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was studied using various anchoring methods. Among them, nitrene chemistry was employed as the method of choice to preserve desirable physical properties of MWNTs. Using this method, synthesis of carboxyl-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was achieved, and then transition metals were incorporated on the linker-MWNT via reductive methods using hydrazine monohydrate. Among various reducing reagents, the use of hydrazine hydrate allowed us to load palladium uniformly. After immobilization of palladium on CNT, its role as a catalyst for CC bond coupling reaction (Suzuki reaction) was examined. The catalysts could be retrieved upon completion of the reaction by filtration and drying; the recycled catalysts could then be used in further reactions up to seven times before any loss in catalytic activity was observed. Further studies revealed that the Pd leached out of the MWNT may be responsible for the reactivity.

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