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Functionalized carbon nanotubes are more favorable for the desired homogeneous dispersion of exfoliated nanotubes as nanoscale fillers in polymeric nanocomposites. However, the compatibility of the large amount of functional groups necessary for the nanotube functionalization with the polymeric matrices is critical to the properties and performance of the resulting nanocomposites. We have developed an approach of only using functional polymers that are structurally identical or maximally similar to the matrix polymers in the functionalization and solubilization of carbon nanotubes. Several representative examples are highlighted, and issues concerning the characterization and evaluation of the polymeric nanocomposites thus obtained are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoluminescence in carbon dots (surface-passivated small carbon nanoparticles) could be quenched efficiently by electron acceptor or donor molecules in solution, namely that photoexcited carbon dots are both excellent electron donors and excellent electron acceptors, thus offering new opportunities for their potential uses in light energy conversion and related applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few-layer graphene materials or "carbon nanosheets" were covalently functionalized with poly(vinyl alcohol) via ester linkages, and the resulting functionalized sample became soluble, allowing solution-phase processing for various purposes such as the fabrication of polymer-carbon nanosheets composites containing no dispersion agents or any other foreign substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few-layer graphene materials or “carbon nanosheets” were covalently functionalized with poly(vinyl alcohol) viaester linkages, and the resulting functionalized sample became soluble, allowing solution-phase processing for various purposes such as the fabrication of polymer–carbon nanosheets composites containing no dispersion agents or any other foreign substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]