Confocal Raman spectroscopy of single poly(3-methylthiophene) nanotubes

Abstract

We present the confocal Raman spectra of isolated single poly(3-methylthiophene) (P3MT) nanotubes fabricated by the electrochemical polymerization method. A complete polymerization to the level of individual nanotubes has been confirmed by the clear observation of all characteristic Raman modes from each P3MT nanotube. A high-resolution confocal microscope combined with an atomic force microscope enabled us to detect subtle differences in spectra taken at different locations of the nanotube, which are attributed to fluctuation of the conjugation length distribution and the doping level.