Selective diameter uptake of single-walled carbon nanotubes in water using phosphonated calixarenes and 'extended arm' sulfonated calixarenes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been successfully solubilized using water-soluble p-phosphonated calix[n] arenes (n = 4, 6, 8) and 'extended arm' upper rim functionalized (benzyl, phenyl) p-sulfonated calix[8] arenes. Selective SWCNT diameter solubilization has been demonstrated and subsequent preferential enrichment of SWCNTs with semiconducting or metallic electronic properties has been achieved. These water-soluble supramolecular systems can be incorporated into post-growth purification protocols with direct implications in areas such as nano-electronics and device fabrication.