title: The charging of the carbon nanotube/oligothiophene interphase as studied by in situ electron spin resonance/UV-Vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry.
abstract: A detailed in situ Electron Spin Resonance (ESR)/UV-Vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical study of the oligothiophene/single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) interphase is presented to provide an insight into the interaction of nanotubes with oligothiophenes. Used as electrode materials these composites are followed in situ with respect to the paramagnetic and diamagnetic states formed upon electrochemical charging. The variation of the oligomer chain length and the type, position and number of substituents at the oligomer is used to understand the structural influence on the formation of the charged states in the material upon electrochemical reaction. For β,β'-dihexylsexithiophene (β,β'-DHST)-SWCNT the enlarged current in the composite and a decreased radical cation concentration can be explained by the formation of π-dimers. By interaction with SWCNTs the π-dimerization of oligothiophenes and the formation of multi π-stack structures occur. For α,ω-dicyano-β,β'-dibutylquaterthiophene (DCNDBQT)-SWCNT a new paramagnetic structure of the oligomer is formed as an intermediate which undergoes follow-up reactions. Using different substituted oligothiophenes their interaction with nanotubes can be understood with respect to the structure of the oligomer.
authors.affiliation: Center of Spectroelectrochemistry, Department of Electrochemistry and Conducting Polymers, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research, D-01069 Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Kinga
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Haubner
authors.forename: Karol
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Luspai
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rapta
authors.forename: Lothar
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dunsch