Polymer Covalent Functionalization of Carbon Nanohorns Using Bulk Free Radical Polymerization

Herein, we report on a facile approach for the covalent functionalization of carbon nanohorns, using in situ bulk free radical polymerization of methacrylic acid. The obtained material is soluble in aqueous media, facilitating its processability and has been fully characterized by means of complementary spectroscopic techniques, electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and light scattering. Simultaneously, the material has been used as a template for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles on the surface of the polymer-decorated carbon nanohorns.