Surface functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with simple or complex molecules is a worthwhile yet challenging task. The goal is to engineer new materials with potential applications in colloids, electronics, polymer composites, sensors and drug delivery [1, 2]. Composed of a nanotube core with a shell of a molecular modifier attached to the core, surface functionalized CNTs represent a unique class of hybrid systems. They are engineered to combine specific properties from each individual component into a single homogeneous phase. The physical and chemical nature of the molecular sheath attached to the surface plays a crucial role in the resulting behavior of the hybrids. While significant progress has been made towards that goal, recent efforts have focused on synthesizing new CNT derivatives with even more complex behavior and properties.

Typically, functionalized CNTs exhibit solid-like behavior in the absence of a solvent or a suspending medium and do not undergo any macroscopic solid-to-liquid transition. Recently, it has been reported the synthesis of meltable functionalized CNTs by attaching a canopy of short, flexible polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains onto the nanotubes [3]. The waxy solid contains 20% w/w CNTs and melts reversibly at 35 C to yield a homogeneous viscous fluid. This CNT derivative is different from conventional suspensions in different media in that the nanotubes and the suspending medium have been combined into a uniform, single phase. Similarly, Michinobu et al. have prepared a