Thermochemical processing : towards water-soluble carbon nanomaterials

Functionalised carbon nanomaterials are desired in a wide variety of applications; however, it is important to ensure that any potential adverse effects are assessed and understood alongside the emerging nanotechnology. Although there have been numerous toxicity evaluations on different CNMs, with the focus on as-synthesised materials rather than functionalised materials; clarification of potential toxic effects of specific CNMs’ physicochemical properties are still unclear, impart to the lack of model materials with tailored properties, with which to compared and contrast. In this thesis, a thermochemical functionalisation methodology has been applied to as-synthesised, bulk carbon nanomaterials without damaging their intrinsic carbon framework. Compared to conventional approaches, this method has the advantages of using simple protocol, which are readily scalable and versatile to wide range of nanocarbons and functionalities. A comprehensive library of water-dispersible functionalised carbon nanomaterials were produced which include single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets and carbon black nanoparticles. These materials were prepared with well-controlled physicochemical properties, such as dimensions, surface charge and hydrophobicity etc. A series of nanotoxicological studies using the model materials have been carried out by our collaborators, employing various biological systems, with particular focus on their respiratory impact. In addition, the underlying mechanism of the thermochemical functionalisation methodology was explored, building and developing upon previous work.