Coordination and organometallic compounds in the functionalization of carbon nanotubes

Various methods for functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using classic coordination complexes, as well as organometallic compounds as precursors, are discussed. CNTs can form hybrids via covalent or non-covalent interaction with metal complexes of crown ethers, carboxylates, amines, polypyridyl compounds, a host of N,O-containing ligands, derivatives of phosphonic acid, porphyrins, phthalocyanines, carbonyls, cyclopentadienyls, pyrene-containing moieties, and other aromatic structures. Several applications of synthesized composites/hybrids are emphasized.