Covalent functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with adenosine monophosphate: Towards the synthesis of SWCNT–Aptamer hybrids

Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) has been covalently linked to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) for the first time. SWCNT carboxylic acid moieties were activated through carbodiimide chemistry and acylation procedure. On the one hand, the phosphoramidate salts 12 and 13 were used to directly anchor AMP, and on the other hand a two-step procedure with grafting first the diaminopropane to SWCNTs followed by coupling of AMP. Thermogravimetric as well as elemental analysis, Fourier-transformed infrared and Raman spectroscopies give hints on the characterization of SWCNT–AMP.

Research Highlights► Adenosine monophosphate has been covalently linked to the single-walled carbon nanotube structure employing two synthetic pathways. ► Grafting efficiency has been evaluated by thermogravimetric and elemental analysis. ► A suitable spacer in between AMP and SWCNT is necessary to enhance the functionalization process.