Polymer and method for using the polymer for solubilizing nanotubes
US7244407B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/30
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A new, non-wrapping approach to solubilize nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes, in organic and inorganic solvents is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, carbon nanotube surfaces are functionalized in a non-wrapping fashion by functional conjugated polymers that include functional groups for solubilizing such nanotubes. Various embodiments provide polymers that noncovalently bond with carbon nanotubes in a non-wrapping fashion. For example, various embodiments of polymers are provided that comprise a relatively rigid backbone that is suitable for noncovalently bonding with a carbon nanotube substantially along the nanotube's length, as opposed to about its diameter. In preferred polymers, the major interaction between the polymer backbone and the nanotube surface is parallel π-stacking. The polymers further comprise at least one functional extension from the backbone that are any of various desired functional groups that are suitable for solubilizing a carbon nanotube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.