Using both purified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (p-MWNTs) and didecylamine-solubilized carbon nanotubes (MDDA), we have prepared PVK/carbon nanotube blends. The PVK/MDDA blend shows good photoconductivity. Their fluorescence spectra indicated that MDDA could act as electron acceptors either in the ground or excited state. In contrast, p-MWNTs could hardly improve the photoconductivity of PVK, largely due to its immiscibility with PVK. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.