Selective Band Structure Modulation of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Ionic Liquids

A simple method was developed for the reversible and selective modification of metallic and large diameter semiconducting SWCNTs in [BMIM]PF6 ionic liquids by adding certain anion surfactants. The electronic band structure of SWCNTs can be controlled and tuned over a range by varying the surfactants used and their concentrations. A charge transfer cation-II complex model was proposed. This method is mild without damaging the structure of SWCNTs.