Covalent functionalization is essential for several reasons: 1. Enhancing Solubility: Many nanomaterials are hydrophobic and have low solubility in aqueous environments. Functionalization can improve their solubility, enabling easier processing and application in biological systems. 2. Improving Stability: Functionalization can prevent the aggregation of nanomaterials, thereby enhancing their stability in different environments. 3. Customizing Properties: By attaching specific functional groups, the electrical, optical, and mechanical properties of nanomaterials can be tailored to meet specific requirements. 4. Facilitating Biocompatibility: Functionalization allows nanomaterials to be modified with biomolecules, making them suitable for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and biosensing.
