Nonlinear optical properties of carbon nanotube hybrids in polymer dispersions

► Double-walled and multi-walled nanotube hybrids linking the electron-donor groups. ► Charge transfer species are formed between the chromophores and the nanotubes. ► The optical limiting performances are superior to that of single-walled nanotubes. ► Thermally induced light scattering is primary mechanism for the optical limiting.