Both carbon nanotubes and graphene are typical carbon-based nanomaterials

whose nanoscale size imparts them excellent optical

electric

thermal and mechanical properties. However

both of them are difficult to be dissolved in common solvents due to the strong van der Waals interaction between individual tubes or sheets

which largely impedes their practical applications. In order to overcome such problems

polymers or small molecules are often used to modify these carbon-based materials to improve their solubility. Interestingly

stimuli-responsive polymers or small molecules can not only enhance their solubility

but also endow them with smart properties. This mini-review summarizes the recent progress in modification of carbon nanotubes and graphene using stimuli-responsive polymers or small molecules

and their smart properties as well as applications. The perspectives and future development of such nano carbon materials are outlooked to close the review.