| abstract |
A new, non-wrapping approach to solubilize nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes, innorganic and inorganic solvents is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, carbonnnanotube surfaces are functionalized in a non-wrapping fashion by functional conjugatednpolymers that include functional groups for solubilizing such nanotubes. Various embodimentsnprovide polymers that noncovalently bond with carbon nanotubes in a non-wrapping fashion.nFor example, various embodiments of polymers are provided that comprise a relatively rigidnbackbone that is suitable for noncovalently bonding with a carbon nanotube substantially alongnthe nanotube's length, as opposed to about its diameter. In preferred polymers, the majorninteraction between the polymer backbone and the nanotube surface is parallel π-stacking. Thenpolymers further comprise at least one functional extension from the backbone that are any ofnvarious desired functional groups that are suitable for solubilizing a carbon nanotube. |