Pi-stacking functionalization through micelles swelling: Application to the synthesis of single wall carbon nanotube/porphyrin complexes for energy transfer

We report on a new, orginal and efficient method for pi-stacking functionalization of single wall carbon nanotubes. This method is applied to the synthesis of a high-yield light-harvesting system combining single wall carbon nanotubes and porphyrin molecules. We developed a micelle swelling technique that leads to controlled and stable complexes presenting an efficient energy transfer. We demonstrate the key role of the organic solvent in the functionalization mechanism. By swelling the micelles, the solvent helps the non water soluble porphyrins to reach the micelle core and allows a strong enhancement of the interaction between porphyrins and nanotubes. This technique opens new avenues for the functionalization of carbon nanostructures.