Functionalization of Carbon Particles by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

ABSTRACTSpherical carbon particles (CPs) with controllable size and surface functionalities were prepared via hydrothermal treatment using sucrose as a precursor and then post modification methods. The CPs were prepared in two steps; firstly, dewatering of sucrose molecules at relatively low temperatures and secondly, carbonization at high temperatures. The micro/nano-sized CPs were functionalized by 2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), (3-Acrylamidopropyl)-trimethylammonium chloride (APTMACI), and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) in order to have the corresponding polymers on the surface of CPs. The monomers were polymerized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) by means of grafted initiator onto the CPs surface. Additionally, copolymer of these monomers was synthesized to introduce additional properties. The stability of the functionalized CPs in different solutions, and pH, temperature responsive behaviors of the newly prepared CP-polymers composite were evaluated.