Microscopic and Spectroscopic Investigation of Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Interaction with Carbon Nanotubes

Polymers

Michele Giulianini²  Eric R. Waclawik¹  John M. Bell²  Manuela Scarselli³  Paola Castrucci³  Maurizio De Crescenzi³ 

[1] Faculty of Science and Technology, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St., Brisbane,QLD 4001, Australia; E-Mail:;Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St., Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; E-Mails:;Dipartimento di Fisica, Unità CNISM, Università di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1 00133 Roma, Italy; E-Mails:

关键词: poly(3-hexylthiophene);    carbon nanotubes;    STM;    AFM;   

DOI  :  10.3390/polym3031433

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

The inclusion of carbon nanotubes in polymer matrix has been proposed to enhance the polymer's physical and electrical properties. In this study, microscopic and spectroscopic techniques are used to investigate the interaction between poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and nanotubes and the reciprocal modification of physical properties. The presence of P3HT-covered nanotubes dispersed in the polymer matrix has been observed by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Then, the modification of P3HT optical properties due to nanotube inclusion has been evidenced with spectroscopic techniques like absorption and Raman spectroscopy. The study is completed with detailed nanoscale analysis by scanning probe techniques. The ordered self assembly of polymer adhering on the nanotube is unveiled by showing an example of helical wrapping of P3HT. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy study provides information on the electronic structure of nanotube-polymer assembly, revealing the charge transfer from P3HT to the nanotube.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2011 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.