Supramolecular self-assembly of polymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes on surfaces

Supramolecular self-assembly of poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT-g-PMMA) was reported herein. The MVVNT-g-PMMA (85 wt.-% PMMA) dispersed in tetrahydrofuran could self-assemble into suprastructures on surfaces such as gold, mica, silicon, quartz, or carbon films. With decreasing concentration of the MWNT-g-PMMA from 3 to 0.1 mg . mL(-1), the assembled structures changed from cellular and basketwork-like forms to multilayer cellular networks and individual needles. SEM, AFM, and TEM measurements confirmed the morphology of the assembled suprastructures, and revealed the assembly mechanism. Phase separation during evaporation of the solvent drives the MWNT-g-PMMA nanohybrids to assemble and form the suprastructures, and the rigid MWNTs stabilize the structures.