α, ω_n-heterotelechelic hyperbranched polyethers solubilize carbon nanotubes

The synthesis of novel linear‐hyperbranched (linhb) polyether block copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) and branched poly(glycerol), bearing a single pyrene or myristyl moiety at the α‐position of the linear chain is described. The polymers exhibit low polydispersity ( < 1.3) and controlled molecular weights ( = 5 000 g · mol−1). The mainly hydrophilic block copolymers with multiple hydroxyl end groups readily dissolve multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in water by mixing and subsequent sonification, resulting in noncovalent attachment of the linhb hybrid structure to the carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to visualize the solubilized nanotubes; after sulfation of the multiple hydroxyl groups the polymer layer was detected in the TEM images.