Luminophores and Carbon Nanotubes: An Odd Combination?

Studies on the exohedral and endohedral functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with organic or inorganic chromophores and luminophores have increased substantially in recent years, making use of covalent, supramolecular, electrostatic, and host-guest preparative strategies. Research in this field has fundamental interest because the mixing of two radically different components (molecule/metal complex versus CNT) typically affords materials with exceptional electronic and structural properties while also offering the possibility of studying in detail the interactions between molecules/complexes and nanomaterials. Application perspectives can be also envisaged, particularly in the areas of light-to-electricity (e.g., photovoltaics) and electricity-to-light (e.g., electroluminescence) conversion. Here, we focus in particular on some recent results obtained in the preparation of luminescent hybrids in which suitably designed emitting moieties, placed inside or outside of carbon nanotubes through noncovalent interactions, can afford brightly glowing black photoluminescent nanostructures.