Selective band structure modulation of single-walled carbon nanotubes in ionic liquids.

A simple method was developed for the reversible and selective modification of metallic and large diameter semiconducting SWCNTs in [BMIM]PF(6) ionic liquids by adding certain anion surfactants. The electronic band structure of SWCNTs can be controlled and tuned over a range by varying the surfactants used and their concentrations. A charge transfer "cation- product operator" complex model was proposed. This method is mild without damaging the structure of SWCNTs.