Oligo-viologen/SWCNT nano-composites: Preparation and characterization.

Constantin, Veronica-Alina; Cao, Liangcheng; Sadaf, Shamaila; Walder, Lorenz

The synthesis and characterization of two types of viologen polymer modification of semiconducting carbon nanotubes (poly-I-CNT and poly-II-CNT) are described. The monomer I is a large three-arm star-shaped compound consisting of three benzyl and three phenyl viologen subunits. Electrochemical polymerization via benzylic radical formation was used. The star arms in poly-I-CNT are well-resolved structures in two-dimensional crystallized fashion (from STM), pointing to self-assembling prior to polymerization. Besides being completely surface covered, individual SWCNTs are interconnected with the polymer in the poly-I-CNT composite material. Poly-II-CNT was prepared by chemical reduction of N′-methyl- N-aminophenyl viologens. Repetitive viologen oligomer brushes are observed along the SWCNT after polymerization. The functionalization is confirmed by XPS, electrochemistry, and Raman spectroscopy.

Physica Status Solidi (B), 2012, Vol 249, Issue 12, p2395

0370-1972

Academic Journal

10.1002/pssb.201200121