Carbon nanotubes functionalizing supramolecular complexation

Single- and multiwalled carbon nanotubes represent attractive components for supramolecular structures. Their rod shape predestines them as guest molecules to be included inside host compounds that are designed like rings or hollow cylinders. From an arrangement with the host wrapped helically around the nano-tube, another type of supramolecular compound arises. The tubes can further serve as scaffold to supramolecular structures that form by a complexation of single tubes or bundles. Several examples of supramolecular patterns have already been discussed in Section 3.5.4.2 on the noncovalent functionalization of nano-tubes. Hence only some other specimens will be presented here. 

Other polysaccharides as well suit the formation of supramolecular structures with carbon nanotubes. For instance, a complex may be formed with schizophyl-lan. This (1-1,3-glucane exists as triple helix and winds around the SWNT accordingly. Functionalizing the termini of the glucane, for example, with ladosides, provides a compound that is soluble in water. Furthermore, it may confer to the product an increased affinity, for example, to lecture. 

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