Electrochemistry in One Dimension: Applications of Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

On the basis of the number of concentric walls, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be divided into single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). In the last few years, the noncovalent treatment of CNTs has been widely used in the preparation of both aqueous and organic solutions to obtain a high weight fraction of individual nanotubes or small aggregates of dispersed nanotubes. Noncovalent functionalization of nanotubes is of particular interest, because it improves solubility and processability without compromising their physical properties. Polymers have allowed the successful dispersion of CNTs. This chapter describes the electrochemical behavior and characteristics of modified electrodes with the most reported and relevant CNT dispersions mediated by different polymers, ionic liquids (ILs), and small molecules. The toxicity of CNTs is a critical aspect that requires important research to know about the uptake of CNTs by living cells and their distribution in the environment.