Tunable dielectric nanoarchitectonics in carbon nanotubes via DNA-directed Pd(ii) nanoarrays

Abstract

The precise spatial organization of metal species on carbon nanotube (CNT) surfaces is crucial for tailoring their electronic and dielectric properties, yet remains difficult to achieve in a controlled manner. Here, we report a CNT-based nanohybrid in which one-dimensional Pd(II) arrays, templated by single-stranded DNA (dA₁₅), are covalently anchored onto carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled CNTs. Building on our previous demonstration of continuous helical Pd–DNA architectures, we translate this structural precision to CNT surfaces, yielding uniformly decorated nanotube scaffolds. Comprehensive spectroscopic and microscopic analyses (FTIR, UV–Vis, TEM/HRTEM, EDS) confirm successful assembly and nanoscale organization. Electrical impedance spectroscopy reveals that the resulting CNT–DNA–Pd hybrid exhibits a distinct, tunable dielectric response compared to its individual components. This approach provides a versatile strategy for integrating programmable DNA-based metal architectures with carbon nanomaterials for potential applications in electronics and energy-related devices.