Electronic properties of conjugated polyelectrolyte/single-walled carbon nanotube composites

Abstract

Two narrow band gap conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) of identical backbone structure, but different pendant charges, were used to disperse single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in MeOH. Films of the resulting CPE:SWNT composites have electrical conductivity dependent on the SWNT loading and can be increased with acid vapor treatment. The anionic CPE gives higher electrical conductivity for the composite immediately after deposition, while a more significant increase is observed for the cationic counterpart after acid treatment.