In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of immobilizing carbon nanotubes on a surface, wherein the method comprises: (1) mixing carbon nanotubes with a superacid to form a carbon nanotube solution; and (2) exposing the carbon nanotube solution to the surface. The exposing results in the immobilization of the carbon nanotubes on the surface. In some embodiments, the method occurs without the utilization of carbon nanotube wrapping molecules. Other embodiments of the present invention pertain to systems that comprise immobilized carbon nanotubes on a surface, as developed by the aforementioned methods.