Chemical derivatization of silica coated fullerenes and use of derivatized silica coated fullerenes

Abstract

This invention is directed to a new composition of matter in the form of chemically derivatized silica coated fullerenes, including silica coated C 60 molecules and silica coated carbon nanotubes, processes for making the same and to uses for the derivatized silica coated fullerenes. Included among many uses in chemical, physical or biological fields of use, but not limited thereto, are high speed, low loss electrical interconnects for nanoscale electronic devices, components and circuits. In one embodiment, this invention also provides a method for preparing silica coated fullerenes having substituents attached to the surface of silica coated fullerenes by reacting silica coated fullerenes with a wide range of organic or inorganic chemical species in a gaseous or liquid state. Preferred substituents include but are not limited to organic groups and organic groups containing heteroatoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and halogens. The identity of the surface functional group is chosen to provide desirable properties to the silica coated fullerenes including but not limited to solubility, miscibility, stickiness, and melting point. The present invention also describes the application of surface functionalized silica coated fullerenes as components of polymer blends and composites.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . A silica coated fullerene, including a silica coated C 60  molecule and silica coated carbon nanotube, having a wide range of organic or inorganic chemical species covalently bonded to the silicon or oxygen atoms of the surface of the silica coated fullerene, including the silica coated C 60  molecule or the sidewall or endcaps of the silica coated carbon nanotube. 
   
   
       13 . The silica coated fullerene, including silica coated C 60  molecules and silica coated carbon nanotubes, of  claim 12 , wherein the organic or inorganic chemical species are covalently bonded to silicon or oxygen atoms of the silica coated fullerene, including the silicon or oxygen atoms of the surface of the silica coated C 60  molecule and surface of the sidewall or endcaps of silica coated carbon nanotubes. 
   
   
       14 . A product made by the process of reacting silica coated fullerenes, including silica coated C 60  molecules and silica coated carbon nanotubes, with a derivatizing agent to covalently bond a wide range of organic or inorganic chemical species to the surface of the silica coated fullerenes, including silica coated C 60  molecules and silica coated carbon nanotubes. 
   
   
       15 . The product of  claim 14 , wherein the derivatizing agent is selected from the group consisting of a wide range of organic or inorganic chemical species. 
   
   
       16 . A product made by the process of  claim 14  comprising the steps of: (i) selecting a derivatizing agent from the group consisting of a wide range of organic or inorganic chemical species. 
   
   
       17 . A product made by the process comprising: (i) reacting silica coated fullerenes, including silica coated C 60  molecules and silica coated carbon nanotubes, with a derivatizing agent wherein the derivatizing agent is selected from the group consisting of a wide range of organic or inorganic chemical species, and (ii) producing silica coated fullerenes having a wide range of organic or inorganic chemical species covalently or physically bonded to the surface of silica coated C 60  molecules and sidewall or endcaps of silica coated carbon nanotubes, wherein the silica coated carbon nanotubes generally have a length from about 5 nm to greater than 1000 nm. 
   
   
       18 . A method for dispersing chemically functionalized silica coated fullerenes, including silica coated C 60  molecules and silica coated carbon nanotubes, comprising mixing or blending the silica coated fullerenes, including the silica coated C 60  molecules or the silica coated carbon nanotubes, with a suitable solvent or matrix material. 
   
   
       19 . A product made by the process of  claim 18 . 
   
   
       20 . A method of  claim 18 , wherein the matrix is a polymer. 
   
   
       21 . A method of  claim 18 , wherein the functional group is chosen to allow for miscibility with the chosen polymer. 
   
   
       22 . A product made by the process of  claim 21  wherein the chemically functionalized silica coated fullerenes, including chemically functionalized silica coated C 60  molecules and silica coated carbon nanotubes, provide an alteration of the polymer properties.