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Complexes of conjugated polymer and carbon nanotubes: does blending with nanotubes influence the ordering of semi-crystalline polymers?

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Abstract

A detailed study of poly(alkylthiophene) self-assembly and organization on single-walled carbon nanotubes is presented. We show that ordered polymer domains are formed when a conjugated polymer is blended with small amounts of carbon nanotubes. By correlating the lowest energy feature in the absorption spectra of the polymer with ordering, we demonstrate that the degree of ordering in the polymer is enhanced when it is blended with carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, we elucidated the conformation of the polymer chain when it is absorbed onto the nanotube surface and imaged the high degree of ordering in the polymer/carbon nanotube complex by microscopy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Built Environment and Engineering Research, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia

    Roland G. S. Goh, Nunzio Motta & John M. Bell

  2. School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia

    Eric R. Waclawik

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  1. Roland G. S. Goh
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  2. Eric R. Waclawik
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  3. Nunzio Motta
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  4. John M. Bell
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Goh, R.G.S., Waclawik, E.R., Motta, N. et al. Complexes of conjugated polymer and carbon nanotubes: does blending with nanotubes influence the ordering of semi-crystalline polymers?. MRS Online Proceedings Library 901, 101 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-0901-Rb21-01

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-0901-Rb21-01

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