Abstract: Fluorescent composites of surfactant-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were prepared by exposing suspensions of surfactant-wrapped carbon nanotubes to tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS) vapor. Sodium deoxycholate (DOC) and sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) were the surfactants. No loss in emission intensity was observed when the suspension of DOC-wrapped SWNTs were exposed to the TMOS vapors, but about a 50% decrease in the emission signal was observed from the SDS-wrapped SWNTs nanotubes. The decrease in emission was minimal by buffering the SDS/SWNT suspension prior to forming the composite. Fluorescent xerogels were prepared by adding glycerol to the SWNT suspensions prior to TMOS vapor exposure, followed by drying the gels. Fluorescent aerogels were prepared by replacing water in the gels with methanol and then exposing them to supercritical fluid drying conditions. The aerogels can be used for gas sensing.

Abstract: Fluorescent composites of surfactant-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were prepared by exposing suspensions of surfactant-wrapped carbon nanotubes to tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS) vapor. Sodium deoxycholate (DOC) and sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) were the surfactants. No loss in emission intensity was observed when the suspension of DOC-wrapped SWNTs were exposed to the TMOS vapors, but about a 50% decrease in the emission signal was observed from the SUS-wrapped SWNTs nanotubes. The decrease in emission was minimal by buffering the SDS/SWNT suspension prior to forming the composite. Fluorescent xerogels were prepared by adding glycerol to the SWNT suspensions prior to TMOS vapor exposure, followed by drying the gels. Fluorescent aerogels were prepared by replacing water in the gels with methanol and then exposing them to supercritical fluid drying conditions. The aerogels can be used for gas sensing.

Abstract: Compositions comprising at least one type of carbon nanotube, at least one surfactant, and at least one polymer are disclosed. The compositions provide stable fluorescence over a wide range of pH in various embodiments. In some embodiments, the compositions are biocompatible. Methods for preparing the compositions from at least one pre-formed polymer are disclosed. Methods for preparing the compositions from at least one monomer are disclosed. Heating methods utilizing the compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to nanostructured materials and processes for making same. More particularly, the present inventions relates to a nanoscale composite structure and methods for making same involving a conductive nanorod comprising a tip at each of the nanorod extrema; and a material deposited on at the least the tips, wherein the material comprises a reduced form of a redox species, wherein the redox species is adapted for electrochemical reaction with the conductive nanorod when the conductive nanorod is stimulated as an antenna by an electric field.