CHAPTER 3: The Chemistry of Nanodiamond

Nanodiamond is a versatile nanomaterial with a broad range of applications. Its structure and surface termination is not only related to bulk diamond but also to the so-called diamondoids. The surface chemistry of nanodiamond is very rich, including the formation of C–C and carbon–heteroatom bonds. This enables the fine-tuning of the surface properties, the colloidal stability and the biocompatibility, as well as control of the electronic and optic characteristics. This chapter discusses the structural and chemical properties that make nanodiamond a unique material. An overview of the different techniques for the initial surface termination, the deagglomeration and the binding of more complex organic moieties is given.