POLYMER-ASSISTED ALIGNMENT AND ASSEMBLY OF CARBON NANOTUBES

The surface modification of polymers on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by means of covalent and noncovalent methods were summarized. The dispersibility of the modified CNTs in aqueous solutions, polar organic solvents or polymer matrices is improved through modification. The uniform dispersion of CNTs is an important prerequisite for realizing CNT arrays. In this article,the vertical and horizontal alignment methods of CNTs with polymer assistance,as well as the recent progress in research on alignment and assembly of CNTs were reviewed on the aspect of post-growth ways. Polymers Could play an importantrole in the surface modification of CNTs and the realization of CNT arrays. Moreover, polymer induced self-assembled alignment of CNTs provides a new approach to achieving the control of individual,CNT and the fabrication of nano-scaled functional devices.