Aziridine-Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: Robust and Versatile Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction and Knoevenagel Condensation

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b09033
• Publication Date: 2016-10-21T16:54:55Z
• Authors: Giulia Tuci; Lapo Luconi; Andrea Rossin; Enrico Berretti; Housseinou Ba; Massimo Innocenti; Dmitry Yakhvarov; Stefano Caporali; Cuong Pham-Huu; Giuliano Giambast...
• Keywords: Knoevenagel condensation; Aziridine; Nitrene; Surface Modification; Nanomaterials

This paper describes the exohedral N-decoration of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with NH-aziridine groups via [2 + 1] cycloaddition a tert-butyl-oxycarbonyl nitrene followed by controlled thermal decomposition cyclization product. The chemical grafting N-containing deeply modifies properties starting MWCNTs, generating new surface microenvironments specific base (Brønsted) and electronic properties. Both these features translate into highly versatile single-phase heterogeneous catalyst (MW@NAz) remarkable electrochemical performance. Its character promotes Knoevenagel condensation activity superior to that related state art N-doped N-decorated nanomaterials; N-induced redistribution drives generation high-energy "C" sites suitable for O2 activation its subsequent reduction (ORR).