Structural elucidation of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube—Diferuloylmethane Conjugate: a pre-requisite for validating applications in water purification

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with its exceptional properties are considered a material of choice for use in various water treatment processes. The functionalization of the CNTs helps fine-tune its properties to achieve desired performances and/or overcome the limitations in processabilty to satisfy the requirements as per the application. Diferuloylmethane (DFM), a plant derived polyphenolic diarylheptanoid is a bioactive compound intriguingly exploited for use in environmental remediation. In this paper we report the functionalization of CNTs with DFM to craft a novel carbon conjugate suitable for use as reinforcement in membrane fabrication. The experimental results showed that the prepared conjugate retained the integrity of nanotube structure on functionalization and also showed lesser agglomeration in comparison to the pristine nanotubes. The formation of conjugate was further confirmed by the changes in functionalities of DFM. The thermal and colloidal stability of the conjugate have also been reported. The prepared conjugate with synchronized properties of the individual constituents is proposed to be an ideal option for enhancing the performance of membranes used in water treatment processes.

Keywords

• carbon nanotubes
• diferuloylmethane
• functionalization
• characterization
• reinforcement
• water treatment