Noncovalent functionalization of multi-walled boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) was achieved through water-soluble synthetic polymers wrapping. This led to the excellent disentanglement and dispersion of BNNTs in an aqueous phase. Various spectroscopic techniques revealed that π-π stacking interactions played the key role for the polymer-functionalization of BNNT. To show a prospective application of polymer-functionalized BNNTs in surface engineering fields, the disentangled BNNTs were used as the raw/starting materials for the creation of superhydrophobic surfaces.
- Zhenghong Gao
- Kei Fujioka
- Takeshi Serizawa