Carbon Nanotubes
We investigate the processing and properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their organic nanohybrids, by means of advanced optical spectroscopy, such as resonant Raman spectroscopy with tuneable laser wavelength and sensitive IR fluorescence-excitation spectroscopy. Key topics include the solubilisation, sorting, and filling of carbon nanotubes. For instance, based on our discovery of bile salts as efficient and highly ordered surfactants for solubilizing CNTs, we were able to distinguish empty and water-filled CNTs spectroscopically for the first time, and subsequently separated them by density gradient ultracentrifugation. We also fill the nanotubes with functional organic molecules, for instance for nonlinear optics or for future applications in solar cells.