Electron transfer enhanced aggregation of carbon nanotubes

COLL 454

Jordan C. Poler, jpoler@uncc.edu1, Harsh Chaturvedi, hchaturv@uncc.edu2, Andrea Giordano, angiorda@uncc.edu1, and Shiho Kobayashi, skobaya1@uncc.edu1. (1) Department of Chemistry and Center for Optoelectronics and Optical Communications, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223-0001, (2) Department of Physics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University city blvd, Grigg Bldg, charlotte, NC 28223
Potential optoelectronic devices can be made from assemblies of diverse nanostructured materials and SWNTs, providing enhanced functionality. SWNTs have exceptional electron accepting and charge transfer properties. Aggregation of SWNT with various coagulants like ruthenium coordination complexes of various morphology and charge state will be presented. Critical coagulation concentrations, particle sizing and zeta-potentials for several inorganic and metallodendrimer coagulants will be presented. Photon enhanced aggregation and carrier modulation of CNT-FETs are described in terms of electron transfer mechanisms. Behavior of these dispersions is not consistent with previously reported studies, and is not described using classical DLVO theory of lyophobic colloids. With a diameter up to 5.8 nm and charge of +20, these metallodendrimers bind strongly and specifically to the nanotubes. Systematic studies of these supramolecular complexes will be presented. Strategies for directed self-assembly of the nanotubes have implications for potential three-dimensional nano-manufacturing of sensors, actuators and photovoltaic cells.