OH functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT-OH) are hydroxylated SWCNTs with hydroxy groups attached to the surface of the nanotubes. Compared to pristine SWCNTs, SWCNT-OH has a propensity to trap electrons, leading to its applications in dye-sensitized solar cells, hydrogen evolution, and CO2 reduction. The standard rate constant of the heterogeneous electron transfer between Fe(CN)63−/4− and SWCNT-OH is 25.9 × 10−4 cm/s, which is four times higher than that of pristine SWCNTs.

The OH groups in SWCNT-OH enhance the dispersibility of the CNTs. The improved homogeneity of the composites promotes better mechanical properties and higher thermal stability. The hydroxy groups on the surface of the CNTs can form hydrogen bonds with other materials such as PEDOT:PSS. The intermolecular interaction extends the polymeric conformation of PEDOT, facilitating the electron conduction. This results in a greater power factor (PF) in thermoelectric devices, exhibiting an increased PF from 0.7 μW/m·K2 to 22 μW/m·K2.

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