A library of polymeric amphiphiles was prepared based on a one-pot methodology using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. These surfactants were then employed to disperse carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within water and an aqueous DMSO solution. All polymeric materials that were soluble in water were used to prepare dispersions of CNT. A range of experimental techniques including atomic force microscopy (AFM), fluorescence quenching experiments, UV/Vis absorbance measurements and H-1 NOESY NMR spectroscopy were employed to probe the interactions between the CNT and the polymeric surfactant. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.