A simple route for the attachment of colloidal nanocrystals to noncovalently modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes

A simple strategy for the fabrication of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)–nanocrystal (NC) heterostructures is shown. Different nanoparticles can be covalently coupled to functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a uniform and controllable manner. MWNTs have been functionalized by a polymer wrapping—technique that is non-invasive, and does not introduce defects to the structure of CNTs; the polymer is noncovalently adsorbed on the MWNTʹs surface. Moreover, this method ensures good dispersion and high stability in any commonly used organic or inorganic solvent. In this manner, our strategy allows the attachment of various colloidal nanoparticles to CNTs, independent of their surface properties, i.e. hydrophilic or hydrophobic.