Self-assembly of SWCNT in P3HT matrix

We explore the possibility of the formation of efficient electron-conducting percolative network in an efficient hole conducting polymer matrix, a desirable combination for novel polymer electronic devices. A network of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), an efficient electron conductor, has been achieved by self-assembling of nanotubes during solution evaporation on poly(3-hexylthiophene) known to be an efficient hole conducting polymer matrix. The revelation of a viable nanotube network and its strong interaction with polymeric chains have been accomplished through characterization of composite matrices by UV–visible, photoluminescence spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The idea of gross evolution of nanotube network is accomplished in terms of more than six fold (10−7–10−1 S/cm) increase in conductivity of the present composite at insertion of merely ∼4% CNTs content in P3HT matrix. The formation of such a strong percolative network will be of immense importance for the development of electronic devices.