In this thesis, Claudia Backes guides the reader through her multidisciplinary research into the non-covalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes in water. Although one of the most remarkable materials of the 21st century, carbon nanotubes often have limited application because of their intrinsically low solubility and polydispersity. The author shows that rational surfactant design is a powerful tool for chemists because it can unmask the key to solubilization and allow us to tailor nanotube surface and optical properties in a fully reversible fashion. Aspects of organic, physical and analytical chemistry, as well as colloidal sciences are covered in this outstanding work which brings us one step closer to exploiting this super-material to its full potential.

In this thesis, Claudia Backes guides the reader through her multidisciplinary research into the non-covalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes in water. Although one of the most remarkable materials of the 21st century, carbon nanotubes often have limited application because of their intrinsically low solubility and polydispersity. The author shows that rational surfactant design is a powerful tool for chemists because it can unmask the key to solubilization and allow us to tailor nanotube surface and optical properties in a fully reversible fashion. Aspects of organic, physical and analytical chemistry, as well as colloidal sciences are covered in this outstanding work which brings us one step closer to exploiting this super-material to its full potential.

Carbon nanotubes belong to new nanomaterials and have been known for almost 20 years, but their history is somewhat lengthier. They have been identified as promising candidates for various applications.High-temperature preparation techniques are conventional techniques for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes using arc discharge or laser ablation, but today these methods are being replaced by low-temperature vapor deposition techniques, since orientation, alignment, nanotube length, diameter, purity, and density of carbon nanotubes can be precisely controlled. The synthesis of carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition on catalyst arrays leads to nanotube models grown from specific sites on surfaces. The controlled synthesis of nanotubes opens up interesting possibilities in nanoscience and nanotechnologies, including electrical, mechanical and electromechanical properties and devices, chemical functionalization, surface chemistry and photochemistry, molecular sensors, and interfacing with moderate biological systems.Carbon nanotubes are used in many applications due to their unique electrical, mechanical, optical, thermal, and other properties. Conductive and high-strength composite materials, energy saving and energy conversion devices, sensors, visualization of field emissions and sources of radiation, means for storing hydrogen, and nanoscale semiconductor devices, probes, and interconnections are some of the many applications of carbon nanotubes.

With contributions by numerous experts

The primary objective of the NATO Advanced Study Institute (ASI) titled “Functionalized Nanoscale Materials, Devices, and Systems for Chem. -Bio Sensors, Photonics, and Energy Generation and Storage” was to present a contemporary and comprehensive overview of the field of nanostructured materials and devices and its applications in chem. -bio sensors, nanophotonics, and energy generation and storage devices. The study has become one of the most promising disciplines in science and technology, as it aims at the fundamental understanding of new physical, che- cal, and biological properties of systems and the technological advances arising from their exploration. Such systems are intermediate in size, between the isolated atoms and molecules and bulk material, where the unique transitional characteristics between the two can be understood, controlled, and manipulated. Nanotechnologies refer to the creation and utilization of functional materials, devices, and systems with novel properties and functions that are achieved through the control of matter, atom-by-atom, molecule-by-molecule, or at a micro-mo- cular level. Advances made over the last few years provide new opportunities for scientific and technological developments in nanostructures and nanosystems with new architectures with improved functionality. The field is very actively and rapidly evolving and covers a wide range of disciplines. Recently, various nanoscale materials, devices, and systems with remarkable properties have been developed, with numerous unique applications in chemical and biological sensors, nanophotonics, nano-biotechnology, and in-vivo analysis of cellular processes at the nanoscale.

Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene is a timely second edition of the original Science and Technology of Carbon Nanotubes. Updated to include expanded coverage of the preparation, purification, structural characterization, and common application areas of single- and multi-walled CNT structures, this work compares, contrasts, and, where appropriate, unitizes CNT to graphene. This much expanded second edition reference supports knowledge discovery, production of impactful carbon research, encourages transition between research fields, and aids the formation of emergent applications. New chapters encompass recent developments in the theoretical treatments of electronic and vibrational structures, and magnetic, optical, and electrical solid-state properties, providing a vital base to research. Current and potential applications of both materials, including the prospect for large-scale synthesis of graphene, biological structures, and flexible electronics, are also critically discussed. Updated discussion of properties, structure, and morphology of biological and flexible electronic applications aids fundamental knowledge discovery Innovative parallel focus on nanotubes and graphene enables you to learn from the successes and failures of, respectively, mature and emergent partner research disciplines High-quality figures and tables on physical and mathematical applications expertly summarize key information – essential if you need quick, critically relevant data

Written by the most prominent experts and pioneers in the field, this ready reference combines fundamental research, recent breakthroughs and real-life applications in one well-organized treatise. As such, both newcomers and established researchers will find here a wide range of current methods for producing and characterizing carbon nanotubes using imaging as well as spectroscopic techniques. One major part of this thorough overview is devoted to the controlled chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes, covering intriguing applications in photovoltaics, organic electronics and materials design. The latest research on novel carbon-derived structures, such as graphene, nanoonions and carbon pea pods, round off the book.