title: A biomimetic "polysoap" for single-walled carbon nanotube dispersion.
abstract: As-synthesized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are bundled mixtures of different species. The current challenge in the field of carbon nanotube research lies in the processing and separation of SWNTs, which first require efficient dispersion of individual SWNTs in solvents. We report DNA-mimicking polysoap surfactants that disperse SWNTs in aqueous solutions more effectively than DNA. The polysoaps are synthesized by functionalizing the side chain of poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid) with aminopyrene. The synthetic nature of the polysoap opens a new approach to further optimization of not only SWNT dispersion efficiency but also multi-functional SWNT dispersing surfactant.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA.
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Wen-Xi
authors.initials: WX
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.forename: Zi-Chen
authors.initials: ZC
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Liwei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D008299:Maleic Anhydrides / Q000737:chemistry; D008823:Micelles; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000737:chemistry; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis*
chemical_list: D008299:Maleic Anhydrides; D008823:Micelles; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D011137:Polystyrenes; D013501:Surface-Active Agents