Noncovalent functionalization of nanotubes

Abstract

Nanotubes are treated with poly{(5-alkoxy-m-phenylenevinylene)-co-[(2,5-dioctyloxy-p-phenylene)vinylene]} (PAmPV) polymers and derivatives thereof to provide noncovalent functionalization of the nanotubes which increases solubility and enhances other properties.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
     
     
         21 . A composition of matter comprising a nanotube functionalized with a polymer selected from the group consisting of a pseudorotaxane, a polymer comprising a sidearm, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         22 . The composition of matter of  claim 21 , wherein the pseudorotaxane is selected from the group consisting of a pseudorotaxane comprising dibenzo[24]crown-8 and a pseudorotaxane comprising a 1,5-dioxynaphthalene ring.  
     
     
         23 . The composition of matter of  claim 21 , wherein the polymer comprising a sidearm has a polyether sidearm.  
     
     
         24 . The composition of matter of  claim 21 , wherein the composition is soluble in a protic solvent.  
     
     
         25 . The composition of matter of  claim 21 , wherein the composition is soluble in an aprotic solvent.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the nanotube is a noncovalently functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube.  
     
     
         27 . A composition of matter comprising more than one nanotube, wherein at least one nanotube is functionalized with a polymer selected from the group consisting of a pseudorotaxane, a polymer comprising a sidearm, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         28 . The composition of matter of  claim 27 , wherein the nanotubes are noncovalently functionalized with a polymer comprising a pseudorotaxane.  
     
     
         29 . The composition of matter of  claim 27 , wherein the pseudorotaxane is selected from the group consisting of a pseudorotaxane comprising dibenzo[24]crown-8 and a pseudorotaxane comprising a 1,5-dioxynaphthalene ring.  
     
     
         30 . The composition of matter of  claim 27 , wherein the polymer comprising a sidearm has a polyether sidearm.  
     
     
         31 . The composition of matter of  claim 27 , wherein the nanotubes are attached to a polymer comprising a sidearm.  
     
     
         32 . The composition of matter of  claim 27 , wherein the nanotubes further comprise a wall that has been functionalized with a pseudorotaxane.  
     
     
         33 . The composition of matter of  claim 27 , wherein the nanotubes are capable of assembling into a molecular actuator or a molecular switch.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the nanotubes are noncovalently functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes.  
     
     
         35 . A method of improving the solubility of a nanotube in a solvent, the method comprising functionalizing the nanotube with a polymer selected from the group consisting of a pseudorotaxane, a polymer comprising a sidearm, and mixtures thereof to form a functionalized nanotube.  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the functionalized nanotube is soluble in a protic solvent.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the functionalized nanotube is soluble in ethanol.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the functionalized nanotube is soluble in an aprotic solvent.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the functionalized nanotube is soluble in chloroform.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the nanotube is a noncovalently functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube.