Dispersing and Functionalizing Carbon Nanotubes Using Conjugated Block Copolymers

Conjugated block copolymers have been used to disperse and functionalize pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Upon a simple sonication, the conjugated polymer block such as polythiophenes can form strong pi-pi interactions with CNT walls, while the non-conjugated polymer block provides the de-bundled CNTs with a good solubility and stability in a wide range of organic solvents and host polymer matrices. Various block copolymers have been utilized to fabricate CNT nanocomposites. with unique mechanical and electrical properties. The conductive block copolymers not only provide a universal system to disperse CNTs but also introduce other interesting properties into the system. Such non-invasive approach generates promising CNT composites for energy conversion and storage applications.