The topic of single-wall nanotubes has attracted so much attention because of their profound mechanical and electronic properties. Functionalization is required for their mechanical use so that the tubes can bind to host matrices for a load transfer to the tubes themselves. The methods we describe for analysis are those needed by all researchers in the field.

  Does it describe a new discovery or a new methodology that's useful to others?

It describes the ways that one should use to make a proper assessment of functionalization. This is needed for all protocols in the field of covalent nanotube attachment.  Many researchers have improperly characterized functionalized nanotube products due to inadequate characterization; hence, we sought to bring some understanding and consistency to the field.

  How did you become involved in this research?

The field of nanotubes is very important at Rice due mainly to the passion and efforts of my colleague, Rick Smalley, who developed much of the nanotube synthesis methodology. We were interested mainly in applying our synthetic chemistry background to the field of functionalization because it seemed to us that the applications of organic techniques were sparse in nanotube research.