Facile polymer functionalization of hydrothermal-carbonization-derived carbons

A simple and efficient polymer grafting onto hydrothermal carbonization (HTC)-derived materials is described. The method pertains to the Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction of furan moieties present on the surface of a HTC material with the maleimide groups stemming from a maleimide protected poly(ethylene glycol) (Me-PEG-MI) by a retro Diels-Alder reaction. The precursor polymer, HTC material, and final product are characterized. Successful grafting is confirmed by elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and dispersion studies. Facile "graft-to" cycloaddition-mediated polymer functionalization of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC)-derived materials is carried out by use of a dienophile-functionalized polymer. Masked maleimide terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is used as a model dienophile containing polymer to graft onto the surface of the HTC material. Analysis of PEGylated carbons (Fourier transform infrared, elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and dispersion studies) all indicate the successful surface modification.