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Optical switching of the properties of filled carbon nanotubes

Boek - Dissertatie

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) exhibit unique and remarkably diverse electronic, optical and mechanical properties, that depend critically on their exact chiral structure. In particular, their hollow structure, with diameters in the nanometer range and lengths up to microns, make them unique one dimensional channels for aligning molecules in one dimension. In this PhD thesis I investigate the encapsulation of small optical switches inside SWCNTs. Such molecules can reversibly change their structure under the influence of external stimuli, such as visible light. By encapsulating optical switches we therefore anticipate to add new functionalities to the already unique properties of the SWCNTs, in particular the ability to switch their electronic and optical properties by visible light. I successfully encapsulated two different optical switches inside the SWCNTs, namely the spiropyran - merocyanine (SP/MC) optical switch and the dihydroazulene - vinylheptafulvene (DHA/VHF) switch. While for SP/MC the switching of the dye inside the SWCNTs could not yet be proven, for DHA/VHF the switching inside the SWCNTs results in shifts of the SWCNT optical transitions of up to 12nm. Finally, I also investigate the effect of ultraviolet (UV) light on the optical properties of SWCNTs and demonstrate the creation of luminescent defect sides along the SWCNT backbone. The results of this thesis will create a range of new possible applications of SWCNTs, from light-switchable transistors for sensing applications to the creation of memory elements that can be triggered with ultraviolet or visible light.
Aantal pagina's: 136
Jaar van publicatie:2022
Trefwoorden:Doctoral thesis
Toegankelijkheid:Embargoed