Supramolecular Functionalization of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) possess extraordinary mechanical strength, thermal and electrical conductivity. These properties make them very attractive in many applications in the fields of nanotechnology, electronics, and optics. However, most of the SWNT syntheses methods result in different types of chiralities, which determine the electronic and optical properties of the sample. Thus, it is important to selectively solubilize and purify carbon nanotubes if one wants to use them in technological applications. Selective separation of SWNTs by chirality has been the research focus of many scientists. Here, a comparative study for the solubility of SWNTs with polyaromatic hydrocarbons and conjugated polymers was conducted. PEGylated corannulene derivative has been shown to disperse more metallic nanotubes than the commonly used sodium dodecyl sulfate dispersant. Phthalimide containing conjugated materials were found to be effective in solubilizing SWNTs. In addition, the structural and mechanistic implications for high solubility power were discussed for all dispersants