Phase separation of carbon nanotubes and turbostratic graphite using a functional organic polymer

Abstract

Some of the interesting properties when composite structures are formed from nanotubes and a conjugated polymer, poly(m-phenylene-co-2,5-dioctoxy-p-phenylenevinylene), are reported. To prepare the composite, multi-walled nanotubes produced in a Kratschmer generator were added to a solution of the polymer in toluene. The suspension was sonicated for 30 min in a low power sonic bath then allowed to settle for 3 days. The suspension was then decanted from the settled solid. This suspension is stable over infinite periods. The suspended material was drop-cast onto carbon grids and examined using transmission electron microscopy.