Covalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is the attachment of chemical moieties to the CNT tubular structure via the formation of covalent bonds, which share at least one pair of electrons between the CNT and the introduced chemical moiety. The typical scope of covalent sidewall functionalization is to increase not only the dispersibility and processability of CNTs but often also their reactivity. As a result, CNT physicochemical properties can be fine-tuned for intended applications, thus opening the way to the assembly of functional advanced materials, including nanotube-based composites or hybrids.
