Microwave-assisted functionalization of carbon nanohorns with oligothiophene units with SERS activity†
Abstract
Carbon nanohorns have been functionalized with oligothiophene units via the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction under microwave irradiation and solvent-free conditions. A dramatic Raman enhancement was found for one of the synthesized derivatives. Experimental and in silico studies helped to understand the enhancement, attributed to the modification of electromagnetic fields upon functionalization at the tip of the nanostructures.