title: Microscopy and spectroscopy of interactions between metallopolymers and carbon nanotubes.
abstract: The interaction between redox polymers, based on Ru- or Os-bis(2,2'-bipyridyl)-poly(4-vinylpyridine), and carbon nanotubes was investigated by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. These metallopolymers were found to be excellent dispersants for nanotubes, as a result of a good wetting interaction between polymer and nanotubes. The results obtained show that well-coated individual nanotubes can be obtained. In addition, interactions between nanotubes and polymers did not significantly affect the electronic and electrochemical properties of the metallopolymers. On the basis of the electrochemical properties of the polymers this opens the possibility of adding functionality through interaction with nanotubes, either as redox active materials with enhanced mechanical properties or by using these modified nanotubes as nanosized electrochemical sensors.
authors.affiliation: National Centre for Sensor Research, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Frehill
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: in het Panhuis
authors.forename: Nigel A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hjelm
authors.forename: Johannes G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Vos