Correlative super-resolution microscopy reveals preferential localization of quantum color center formation on carbon nanotubes
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Covalent quantum color centers, (CCs) introduced onto single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) create localized, red-shifted emission states with promising applications in quantum photonics, biosensing and bioimaging. Yet, the mechanisms governing where and how these color centers form on the SWCNTs remain poorly understood. To address this question, we mapped, in real time, the precise position of aryl CCs formed by photoinduced diazonium chemistry along individual (6,5) SWCNTs by combining, within a correlative framework, two complementary super-resolution imaging modalities: single-molecule localization microscopy of individual CC formation events and analytical reconstruction of the SWCNT backbone. We reveal that CC formation is not spatially random as CCs preferentially localize towards the central regions of nanotubes, away from their ends, and exhibit pronounced spatial clustering. Ruling out curvaturedriven effects, we attribute this clustering to non-uniform surfactant coverage along the nanotube, which creates locally exposed and chemically-reactive domains. These results establish nanotube surface heterogeneity as a key determinant of CC positioning and point toward strategies for the deterministic, spatially controlled engineering of quantum emitters on carbon nanotubes.
Source: ChemRxiv
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Agence Nationale de la Recherche
OpenAlex ID: W7211915930