Abstract: A catalyst structure is provided. The catalyst structure includes a porous carrier and a plurality of layered hydroxides. The porous carrier includes a nitrogen-doped carbon framework, a plurality of metal oxide particles and a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The nitrogen-doped carbon framework has a plurality of pores. The metal oxide particles are uniformly dispersed in the pores of the nitrogen-doped carbon framework. The carbon nanotubes are located on a surface of the nitrogen-doped carbon framework, and one end of each of the carbon nanotubes is connected to the surface of the nitrogen-doped carbon framework. The layered hydroxides are coated on the surface of the nitrogen-doped carbon framework.

Abstract: A battery may include an anode, a cathode positioned opposite to the anode, a separator positioned between the anode and the cathode, an electrolyte dispersed throughout the cathode and in contact with the anode, and a dual-pore system. The anode may be configured to release a plurality of lithium ions. The cathode may include a plurality of pathways defined by a plurality of porous non-hollow carbonaceous spherical particles and may include a plurality of carbonaceous structures each based on a coalescence of a group of the porous non-hollow carbonaceous spherical particles. The dual-pore system may be disposed in the cathode and defined in shape and orientation by the plurality of carbonaceous structures. In some aspects, the dual-pore system may be configured to receive gaseous oxygen from the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a CNT fiber that is constituted of aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs), is thin, has little irregularity in thickness, has excellent winding properties when undergoing coiling processing, and has superior conductivity. Provided is a CNT fiber constituted of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) having a thickness of 0.01 ?m-3 mm, having a coefficient of variation for irregularity in thickness of 0.2 or less, having a distribution rate a for deviation from roundness of 40% or greater, and a distribution rate b of 70% or greater. Also provided is a method for manufacturing the CNT fiber.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a fin structure, in which first semiconductor layers and second semiconductor layers are alternately stacked, is formed. A sacrificial gate structure is formed over the fin structure. A source/drain region of the fin structure, which is not covered by the sacrificial gate structure, is etched, thereby forming a source/drain space. The first semiconductor layers are laterally etched through the source/drain space. An inner spacer made of a dielectric material is formed on an end of each of the etched first semiconductor layers. A source/drain epitaxial layer is formed in the source/drain space to cover the inner spacer. A lateral end of each of the first semiconductor layers has a V-shape cross section after the first semiconductor layers are laterally etched.

Abstract: A memory cell includes a first conductive line, a lower electrode, a carbon nano-tube (CNT) layer, a middle electrode, a resistive layer, a top electrode and a second conductive line. The first conductive line is disposed over a substrate. The lower electrode is disposed over the first conductive line. The carbon nano-tube (CNT) layer is disposed over the lower electrode. The middle electrode is disposed over the carbon nano-tube layer, thereby the lower electrode, the carbon nano-tube (CNT) layer and the middle electrode constituting a nanotube memory part. The resistive layer is disposed over the middle electrode. The top electrode is disposed over the resistive layer, thereby the middle electrode, the resistive layer and the top electrode constituting a resistive memory part. The second conductive line is disposed over the top electrode.

Abstract: Fabrics that have unique mechanical properties are comprised of fibers that have been reacted to provide carbon nanostructures covalently grafted to these fibers so that the entanglement and/or the reactive bonding between adjacent fibers creates a hierarchal structure reinforcement of the fabric. This entanglement and/or reactivity is also effective for developing reinforcement between plies of structural fabric composites in order to enhance inter-laminar shear strength and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A material may include a medium and carbon nanotubes dispersed in the medium. Fluorescent moieties may be attached to functional groups on a first quantity of the carbon nanotubes. The fluorescent moieties may be in a concentration in the material sufficient to make the material fluoresce in the presence of radiation. The fluorescent moieties may have an emission wavelength that is in or below the visible spectrum. The carbon nanotubes may be dispersed in the medium in a concentration sufficient to make the material electrically conductive at or above the material's electrical percolation threshold. Any suitable product may include the material. Methods for verifying the authenticity of the product may include detecting emissive radiation, testing electrical conductivity, and determining the presence of a structural characteristic of the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A fabric for use in chemical and biological (CB) protective garments includes at least one felt layer having from 25% to 100% carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers as a breathable physical barrier against toxic chemical droplets and/or pathogens. The felt layers are cleaned and consolidated into a mechanically competent sheet which can form adhesive seams having lapshear greater than the sheet itself. An additional supporting layer can be included. The supporting layer can be a wicking layer which is permeable with a chlorinated or otherwise chemically active solution to establish a reactive chemical barrier, the solution being dispensed on demand from a portable container. Embodiments include a second layer of CNT or of another backing fabric, sandwiching the wicking layer therebetween. Impermeable fluoropolymer seams can divide the fabric into a plurality of CNT/wicking cells. A layer of activated charcoal and/or halamine-forming hydantoin can be included for persistent reactive chemical protection.

Abstract: A composite for providing electromagnetic shielding including a plurality of nanotubes; and a plurality of elongate metallic nanostructures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a composite carbon sheet, including the steps of: mixing 70 parts by weight of a first solution as a dispersant with 30 parts by weight of a second solution as a binder to prepare a third solution; mixing 80˜97 parts by weight of the third solution with 3˜20 parts by weight of any one selected from the group consisting of single-wall carbon nanotubes, double-wall carbon nanotubes, multi-wall carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanoparticles, graphene and fullerene to prepare a fourth solution; dispersing the fourth solution to prepare a mixed dispersion solution; and coating an expanded graphite sheet with the mixed dispersion solution. The method is advantageous in that the thermal conductivity of the composite carbon sheet manufactured by this method can be improved, the physical properties thereof can be enhanced, the exfoliation thereof can be prevented, and the tensile strength and tear strength thereof can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conductive polymer composition for a PTC element with decreased NTC characteristics, using carbon nanotubes, a PTC binder resin, and a cellulose-based or polyester-based resin for fixing the carbon nanotubes and the PTC binder, and to a PTC element, a circuit and a sheet heating element using the same.

Abstract: A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused metal fiber material which includes a metal fiber material of spoolable dimensions, a barrier coating conformally disposed about the metal fiber material, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to the metal fiber material. A continuous CNT infusion process includes: (a) disposing a barrier coating and a carbon nanotube (CNT)-forming catalyst on a surface of a metal fiber material of spoolable dimensions; and (b) synthesizing carbon nanotubes on the metal fiber material, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused metal fiber material.

Abstract: In a method for functionalizing a carbon nanotube surface, the nanotube surface is exposed to at least one vapor including at least one functionalization species that non-covalently bonds to the nanotube surface, providing chemically functional groups at the nanotube surface, producing a functionalized nanotube surface. A functionalized nanotube surface can be exposed to at least one vapor stabilization species that reacts with the functionalization layer to form a stabilization layer that stabilizes the functionalization layer against desorption from the nanotube surface while providing chemically functional groups at the nanotube surface, producing a stabilized nanotube surface. The stabilized nanotube surface can be exposed to at least one material layer precursor species that deposits a material layer on the stabilized nanotube surface.

Abstract: A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused carbon fiber material that includes a carbon fiber material of spoolable dimensions and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to the carbon fiber material. The infused CNTs are uniform in length and uniform in distribution. The CNT infused carbon fiber material also includes a barrier coating conformally disposed about the carbon fiber material, while the CNTs are substantially free of the barrier coating. A continuous CNT infusion process includes: (a) functionalizing a carbon fiber material; (b) disposing a barrier coating on the functionalized carbon fiber material (c) disposing a carbon nanotube (CNT)-forming catalyst on the functionalized carbon fiber material; and (d) synthesizing carbon nanotubes, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused carbon fiber material.

Abstract: A composite for providing electromagnetic shielding including a plurality of nanotubes; and a plurality of elongate metallic nanostructures.

Abstract: A method for making an epitaxial structure is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. The substrate has an epitaxial growth surface for growing epitaxial layer. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on the epitaxial growth surface. An epitaxial layer is epitaxially grown on the epitaxial growth surface. The carbon nanotube layer is removed. The carbon nanotube layer can be removed by heating.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a dispersion of nanoparticles in a liquid medium. The liquid medium is suitably water-based and further includes an ionic liquid-based stabilizer in the liquid medium to stabilize the dispersion of nanoparticles therein. The stabilizer can be polymeric or monomeric and generally includes a moiety with at least one quaternary ammonium cation from a corresponding ionic liquid. The dispersion suitably can be formed by shearing or otherwise mixing a mixture/combination of its components. The dispersions can be used to form nanoparticle composite films upon drying or otherwise removing the liquid medium carrier, with the stabilizer providing a nanoparticle binder in the composite film. The films can be formed on essentially any desired substrate and can impart improved electrical conductivity and/or thermal conductivity properties to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to therapeutic compositions that comprise: (1) a nanovector, (2) an active agent; and (3) a targeting agent, wherein the active agent and the targeting agent are non-covalently associated with the nanovector. The present invention also pertains to methods of treating various conditions in a subject by utilizing the above-described therapeutic compositions. Methods of making the therapeutic compositions are also a subject matter the present invention.

Abstract: A nanoporous network includes carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with the network having a pore size in a range from about 15 nm to about 35 nm. The nanoporous network can be coated, compressed, or any combination of these operations in the manufacture of various articles. A method of making a nanoporous network includes disposing a concentrated aqueous CNT solution in a mold, freezing the concentrated aqueous CNT solution, and subliming the frozen concentrated CNT solution in a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A thin film transistor has a semiconducting layer comprising a polythiophene and carbon nanotubes. The semiconducting layer exhibits high mobility and high current on/off ratio.

Abstract: Glucose and ATP biosensors have important applications in diagnostics and research. Combining single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with Pt nanoparticles can significantly enhance the performance of electrochemical biosensors. This disclosure illustrates the use of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to modify SWCNTs to increase SWCNT solubility in water. Multiple embodiments with this configuration allows for exploration of new schemes of combining ssDNASWCNT and Pt black in aqueous media systems. These embodiments resulted in a nanocomposite with enhanced biosensor performance. The ssDNA-SWCNT/Pt black nanocomposite constructed by a layered scheme proved most effective in terms of biosensor activity. The key feature of this structure and method of use is the exploitation of ssDNASWCNTs as molecular templates for Pt black electrodeposition. Glucose and ATP microbiosensors fabricated utilizing this structure and method of use exhibited high sensitivity, wide linear range and low limit of detection.

Abstract: Carbon nanostructures may be protected and functionalized using a layer-by-layer method whereby functional groups on the carbon nanostructure surface may be further derivatized to incorporate additional functional moieties. Exemplary moieties include redox mediator molecules, crown ethers, catalysts, boric acids, carbohydrates, oligonucleotides, DNA or RNA aptamers, peptide aptamers, proteins such as enzymes and antibodies, quantum dots and nanoparticles, cells, cell organelles, or other cellular components. The density of functional groups or functional moieties on carbon nanostructure surfaces may also be controlled as well as the degree of surface hydrophilicity of the nanostructure.

Abstract: A system for measuring pH includes a substrate and a sensor medium on the substrate. The sensor medium includes at least one oxidized carbon nanostructure and optionally at least one composition immobilized on the at least one oxidized carbon nanostructure. The at least one composition has at least one property that depends on pH. The system further includes at least one measurement system to measure a property of the sensor medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bulk carbon nanotube and metallic composite is provided. The bulk carbon nanotube and metallic composite includes a bulk carbon nanotube material layer including a plurality of carbon nanotubes, and a metal film applied across the bulk carbon nanotube material layer. The metal film penetrates into the interstices between individual carbon nanotubes to reduce an electrical resistance between the plurality of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for delivering a molecule in situ to a cell and for treating a cancer via the in situ delivery. The methods comprise contacting or administering to the cell, as two separate components, a morpholino oligonucleotide comprising a targeting moiety followed by a single wall nanotube construct comprising second morpholino oligonucleotides complementary to the first morpholino oligonucleotides and one or both of a therapeutic or diagnostic payload molecule linked to the single wall nanotube construct. Upon self-assembly of a single wall nanotube complex via hybridization of the first morpholino and second complementary morpholino oligonucleotides at the cell, the payload molecule is delivered. Also provided is the two component self-assembly single wall nanotube system and the single wall nanotube construct comprising the second component.

Abstract: There is provided a high-purity carbon nanotube, which can be produced with simple purification by causing graphite to be hardly contained in crude soot obtained immediately after being synthesized by arc-discharge, and a method for producing the same. Soot containing carbon nanotubes produced by arc-discharge using an anode which contains amorphous carbon as a main component is heated at a temperature of not lower than 350° C. to be burned and oxidized, immersed in an acid, heated at a temperature, which is not lower than the heating temperature in the previous burning and oxidation and which is not lower than 500° C., to be burned and oxidized, and immersed in an acid again.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fibrous veil and methods of making the same. The fibrous veil includes a base having a plurality of fibers, each of the plurality of fibers having an average diameter ranging from about 7,000 nm to about 9,000 nm. Graphite nano-platelets are attached to at least some of the plurality of fibers without a polymeric binder.

Abstract: Tritiated planar carbon forms and their production are provided. Methods are provided for the stoichiometrically controlled labeling of planar carbon forms capitalizing on normal flaws of carboxylic acids ubiquitously present in commercial preparations of these planar carbon forms. Alternative methods include generation of a metallated intermediate whereby a metal is substituted for hydrogen on the carbon backbone of a planar carbon form. The metalized intermediate is then reacted with a tritium donor to covalently label the planar carbon form. The tritiated planar carbon forms produced are useful, for example, for determination of a biological property or environmental fate of planar carbon forms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to freestanding carbon nanotube paper comprising purified carbon nanotubes, where the purified carbon nanotubes form the freestanding carbon nanotube paper and carbon microparticles embedded in and/or present on a surface of the carbon nanotube paper. The invention also relates to a lithium ion battery, capacitor, supercapacitor, battery/capacitor, and fuel cell containing the freestanding carbon nanotube paper as an electrode. Also disclosed is a method of making a freestanding carbon nanotube paper. This method involves providing purified carbon nanotubes, contacting the purified carbon nanotubes with an organic solvent under conditions effective to form a dispersion comprising the purified carbon nanotubes. The dispersion is formed into a carbon nanotube paper and carbon microparticles are incorporated with the purified carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A precursor raw material for the PAN-based carbon fibers represented by Formula (I) is provided. In Formula (I), R is methyl, ethyl or propyl, x+z=0.5-20.0 mol %, z?0.5 mol %, y=99.5-80.0 mol % and x+y+z=100 mol %. The invention also provides a PAN-based oxidized fiber and a PAN-based carbon fiber prepared by the precursor raw material for the PAN-based carbon fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite of carbon nanotubes and of graphenes in agglomerated solid form comprising: a) carbon nanotubes, the content of which represents from 0.1% to 50% by weight, preferably from 10% to 40% by weight relative to the total weight of the composite; b) graphenes, the content of which represents from 0.1% to 20% by weight, preferably from 1% to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the composite; and c) a polymer composition comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and/or one elastomer. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing said composite, its use for the manufacture of a composite product, and also to the various applications of the composite product.

Abstract: One-dimensional materials are prepared from an array of nanoparticles positioned in one or more recesses of a substrate, wherein the recesses and the positioned nanoparticles have a comparable diameter of the same order of magnitude such that one nanoparticle is positioned within each of the one or more recesses; wherein a depth of the one or more recesses is from 10 nm to 40 nm; and wherein a diameter of the one or more recesses is adjusted by conformal film deposition and is between one and two times the mean diameter of the nanoparticles, and wherein the nanoparticles have a mean diameter of from 1 nm to 50 nm, and wherein the nanoparticles are catalytic sites for the growth of the one-dimensional materials; wherein the one dimensional materials are non-aggregated and extend in a direction that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the horizontal surface of the substrate.

Abstract: This invention concerns a polymer coating composition for use as non-focal optical power limiting dye containing polymeric materials. This composition contains: (1) one or more Modified Polymers comprising a Polymer, such as a hyperbranched polymer family, especially HB-PCS, HB-PU, HB-PUSOX or PC with one or more of: a) reverse saturable dye (RSA), b) multi-photon absorption dye (MPA), c) an azo dye, or d) absorption dye, which dye is chemically bonded to the pendant groups of the Polymer (along its chain and/or termini) or which forms a part of the backbone of the Polymer; (2) carbon nanotubes (CNT) as optical power limiters (OPL); and (3) a self-focusing component.

Abstract: A tape that can be used to detect cracks in a structure to which it is attached is disclosed herein. The tape includes a plurality of structural fibers. The tape also includes an electrically-insulating binder at least partially encapsulating the plurality of structural fibers. The tape also includes quantities of electrically conductive particles, each quantity of electrically conductive particles connected with one of the plurality of structural fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrodes for electrochemical analysis comprising: —an insulating surface; —carbon nanotubes situated on the insulating surface at a density of at least 0.1 ?mCNT Um?2; and —an electrically conducting material in electrical contact with the carbon nanotubes; wherein the carbon nanotubes cover an area of no more than about 5.0% of the insulating surface. Methods of making such electrodes and assay devices or kits with such electrodes, are also provided.

Abstract: An atmosphere of a carbon source comprising an oxygenic compound is brought into contact with a catalyst with heating to yield single-walled carbon nanotubes. The carbon source comprising an oxygenic compound preferably is an alcohol and/or ether. The catalyst preferably is a metal. The heating temperature is preferably 500 to 1,500° C. The single-walled carbon nanotubes thus obtained contain no foreign substances and have satisfactory quality with few defects.

Abstract: An apparatus for the large scale production of boron nitride nanotubes comprising; a pressure chamber containing; a continuously fed boron containing target; a source of thermal energy preferably a focused laser beam; a cooled condenser; a source of pressurized nitrogen gas; and a mechanism for extracting boron nitride nanotubes that are condensed on or in the area of the cooled condenser from the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A semiconductor composition includes a semiconducting polymer containing a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DKPP) moiety and carbon nanotubes dispersed into the semiconducting polymer. An electronic device contains a semiconductor layer including a semiconductor composition having a semiconducting polymer including a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DKPP) moiety and carbon nanotubes dispersed into the semiconducting polymer. A semiconductor composition contains a semiconducting polymer including a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DKPP) moiety, a solvent selected from the group consisting of tetrachloroethane, dichlorobenzene, chlorobenzene, chlorotoluene, and a mixture thereof, and a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A thin film transistor has a dual semiconducting layer comprising two semiconducting sublayers. The first sublayer comprises a polythiophene and carbon nanotubes. The second sublayer comprises the polythiophene and has no carbon nanotubes. Devices comprises the dual semiconducting layer exhibit high mobility.

Abstract: Multilayer carbon nanotube capacitors, and methods and printable compositions for manufacturing multilayer carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are disclosed. A first capacitor embodiment includes: a first conductor; a plurality of fixed CNTs in an ionic liquid, each fixed CNT comprising a magnetic catalyst nanoparticle coupled to a carbon nanotube and further coupled to the first conductor; and a first plurality of free CNTs dispersed and moveable in the ionic liquid. Another capacitor embodiment includes: a first conductor; a conductive nanomesh coupled to the first conductor; a first plurality of fixed CNTs in an ionic liquid and further coupled to the conductive nanomesh; and a plurality of free CNTs dispersed and moveable in the ionic liquid. Various methods of printing the CNTs and other structures, and methods of aligning and moving the CNTs using applied electric and magnetic fields, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fire retardant materials are provided that contain carbon nanotubes and particles capable of endothermically reacting when exposed to elevated temperatures. The carbon nanotubes may be a buckypaper. Methods also are provided for making a fire retardant material and for improving the fire retardation capabilities of a material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a scaled method for producing substantially aligned carbon nanotubes by depositing onto a continuously moving substrate, (1) a catalyst to initiate and maintain the growth of carbon nanotubes, and (2) a carbon-bearing precursor. Products made from the disclosed method, such as monolayers of substantially aligned carbon nanotubes, and methods of using them are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns a polymer coating material composition (PCM) comprising as components a polymer matrix, carbon nanotubes (CNT) as optical power limiters (OPL), and carbon rich molecules. One aspect of the invention is where the Polymer Matrix is a hyperbranched polymer, such as a hyperbranched polycarbosiloxane polymer. Another aspect of the invention is where the CNT is a short multiwall carbon nanotube (sMWNT). A further aspect of the invention is where the carbon-rich molecules are triethoxysilyl anthracene derivatives. The composition wherein the ratio in weight percent of Polymer Matrix to CNT to carbon-rich molecule is from 94:3:3 to 99.8:0.1:0.1. The composition can further contain one or more of multi-photon absorbers (MPA) chromophores or reverse saturable absorbers (RSA) chromophores. These compositions can be used as: a) a film, b) a coating, c) a liquid, d) a solution, or e) a sandwiched film between two transparent substrates.

Abstract: This invention concerns a polymer coating material composition (PCM) comprising as components a Polymer Matrix, carbon nanotubes (CNT) as optical power limiters (OPL), and carbon-rich molecules. One aspect of the invention is where the Polymer Matrix is a hyperbranched polymer, such as a hyperbranched polycarbosiloxane polymer. Another aspect of the invention is where the CNT is a short multiwall carbon nanotube (sMWNT). A further aspect of the invention is where the carbon-rich molecules are triethoxysilyl anthracene derivatives. The composition wherein the ratio in weight percent of Polymer Matrix to CNT to carbon-rich molecule is from 94:3:3 to 99.8:0.1:0.1. The composition can further contain one or more of multi-photon absorbers (MPA) chromophores or reverse saturable absorbers (RSA) chromophores. These compositions can be used as: a) a film, b) a coating, c) a liquid, d) a solution, or e) a sandwiched film between two transparent substrates.

Abstract: A gas sensor operable at ambient conditions, the sensor includes functionalized feather-like tellurium (Te) nanostructures on single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNTs) networks.

Abstract: This invention relates to heterogenous pore polymer nanotube membranes useful in filtration, such as reverse osmosis desalination, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and gas separation.

Abstract: A method of making a mechanically robust, electrically conductive ultralow-density carbon nanotube-based aerogel, including the steps of dispersing nanotubes in an aqueous media or other media to form a suspension, adding reactants and catalyst to the suspension to create a reaction mixture, curing the reaction mixture to form a wet gel, drying the wet gel to produce a dry gel, and pyrolyzing the dry gel to produce the mechanically robust, electrically conductive ultralow-density carbon nanotube-based aerogel. The aerogel is mechanically robust, electrically conductive, and ultralow-density, and is made of a porous carbon material having 5 to 95% by weight carbon nanotubes and 5 to 95% carbon binder.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bulk carbon nanotube and metallic composite is provided. The bulk carbon nanotube and metallic composite includes a bulk carbon nanotube material layer including a plurality of carbon nanotubes, and a metal film applied across the bulk carbon nanotube material layer. The metal film penetrates into the interstices between individual carbon nanotubes to reduce an electrical resistance between the plurality of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanostructured material capable of storing hydrogen. The nanostructured material may be configured with a selected geometry to provide the capability to influence and increase the limiting or theoretical gravimetric storage level (GSL) of hydrogen for a given chemical composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sequential functionalization methodology for the covalent modification of nanotubes with between one and four repeat units of a polymer. Covalent attachment of oligomer units to the surface of nanotubes results in oligomer units forming an organic sheath around the nanotubes, polymer-functionalized-nanotubes (P-NTs). P-NTs possess chemical functionality identical to that of the functionalizing polymer, and thus provide nanoscale scaffolds which may be readily dispersed within a monomer solution and participate in the polymerization reaction to form a polymer-nanotube/polymer composite. Formation of polymer in the presence of P-NTs leads to a uniform dispersion of nanotubes within the polymer matrix, in contrast to aggregated masses of nanotubes in the case of pristine-NTs.