Functionalization and Solubilization of Carbon and Inorganic Nanostructures

A variety of nanostructures of carbon and inorganic nanomaterials possessing different dimensionalities have been synthesized and characterized in the last few years. Several of these nanostructures are found to have properties of utility with potential applications. Using the nanostructures in many situations requires their dispersions in suitable solvents. This can be done in most instances by appropriate functionalization of the nanostructures. In this contribution, we provide an account of the covalent and noncovalent methods of functionalization of carbon and inorganic nanostructures and their subsequent solubilization in nonpolar, polar, and aqueous media.