Isolated rigid rod behavior of functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes in solution determined via small-angle neutron scattering

Abstract

The measurement of small-angle neutron scattering on functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes in solution is reported. Without the use of surfactants, isolated rigid rod behavior of functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes has been observed. The onset of pinning between the nanotubes at different pinning distances depending on the concentration is also detected, as well as some aggregation for the more concentrated samples. We present evidence of a multiscale organization of these samples: the molecular covalent structure of single-wall nanotubes, the supramolecular structure of bundles, and a loose three-dimensional network formed by pinning of the bundles. Since most organic electronic devices are fabricated from blends of small molecules or nanocrystals with a polymeric matrix by spin coating from solution, the understanding of the solution properties of such nanocrystals is important in order to improve the performance of these devices.