Hybrid charge transfer complexes based on archaeal glycolipids wrapping single walled carbon nanotubes

SWNTs have been functionalized with an archaeal glycolipid which wraps around the nano-objects in a single layer or bilayer, as a function of the nanotube diameter. Hydrogen bonds between the lipid glucose rings and the aromatic SWNT walls are involved in the formation of hybrid complexes resulting in electron transfer from the glycolipid to the nanotubes.