Supramolecular complexes of carbon nanotubes with cyclodextrin-incorporated side-chain polyrotaxanes

We prepared a new side-chain polyrotaxane 3 between cyclodextrins (CDs) and grafted poly (p-phenyleneethynylene)s (PPEs) and applied it for the supramolecular functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Capitalizing on the strong adsorption of the CD's hydroxyl groups on SiOx, we successfully coated silica fibers with SWNTs functionalized by the CD-containing copolymer 3. The significance of the current finding can be extended to other carbon nano-materials, and the functionalization of graphene oxide using the analogs of 3 and its physical adsorption on silica fibers is underway. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.