A versatile strategy for the functionalization of boron nitride nanotubes

We describe a new method for the functionalization of single- and multi-walled boron nitride nanotubes. Our approach is based on the affinity of the nitrogen atoms of quinuclidine molecules (Lewis bases) for boron atoms incorporated in the nanotubes network (Lewis acids). Specific substitution of the quinuclidine skeleton permitted solubilization of the nanotubes in different media.