The present invention is directed to carbon nanotube (CNT)/polymer composites, i.e., nanocomposites, wherein the CNTs in such nanocomposites are highly dispersed in a polymer matrix, and wherein the nanocomposites comprise a compatibilizing surfactant that interacts with both the CNTs and the polymer matrix. The present invention is also directed to methods of making these nanocomposites. In some such methods, the compatibilizing surfactant provides initial CNT dispersion and subsequent mixing with a polymer. The present invention is also directed to methods of using these nanocomposites in a variety of applications.