Invited Presentation: The Role of Dispersing Molecules on the Separation and Optical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes

When studying the optical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), it is known that the dispersing agent(s) play an important role in the observed optical and electronic properties as well as in the separation of tubes. However, fundamental and applied reports are hindered by poor control over the interaction between the dispersant molecules and the nanotubes. Here I will discuss how interfacial chemistry affects the separation of SWCNTs and their optical properties. Compelling spectroscopic evidence has shown that surfactant composition, concentration, and structure are crucial factors to separate SWCNTs and obtain highly stable and fluorescent nanotube dispersions.