Ratiometric fluorescent sensing of pyrophosphate with sp³-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Inorganic pyrophosphate is a key molecule in many biological processes from DNA synthesis to cell metabolism. Here we introduce sp-functionalized (6,5) single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with red-shifted defect emission as near-infrared luminescent probes for the optical detection and quantification of inorganic pyrophosphate. The sensing scheme is based on the immobilization of Cu ions on the SWNT surface promoted by coordination to covalently attached aryl alkyne groups and a triazole complex.

Stochastic Formation of Quantum Defects in Carbon Nanotubes.

Small perturbations in the structure of materials significantly affect their properties. One example is single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), which exhibit chirality-dependent near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence. They can be modified with quantum defects through the reaction with diazonium salts, and the number or distribution of these defects determines their photophysics.

Guanine Quantum Defects in Carbon Nanotubes for Biosensing.

Fluorescent single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are used as nanoscale biosensors in diverse applications. Selectivity is built in by noncovalent functionalization with polymers such as DNA. Recently, covalent functionalization was demonstrated by conjugating guanine bases of adsorbed DNA to the SWCNT surface as guanine quantum defects (g-defects).

Decomposition of 2-chloroethylethylsulfide on copper oxides to detoxify polymer-based spherical activated carbons from chemical warfare agents.

For the decomposition of chemical warfare agents, a hybrid material concept was applied. This consists of a copper oxide-containing phase as a component with reactive functionality supported on polymer-based spherical activated carbon (PBSAC) as a component with adsorptive functionality. A corresponding hybrid material was prepared by impregnation of PBSAC with copper(II)nitrate and subsequent calcination at 673K.