Nanotiubukset

Nanotiubukset, also known as nanotubes, are cylindrical molecules made of rolled-up sheets of single-layer carbon atoms known as graphene. They are typically between 1 and 100 nanometers in diameter, and can be up to a millimeter in length. Nanotubes possess a unique combination of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, making them of great interest for various technological applications.

There are two main types of nanotubes: single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) and multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs). SWNTs consist of a single layer of graphene, while MWNTs are composed of multiple concentric cylinders of graphene. The arrangement of carbon atoms within the graphene lattice, known as chirality, determines whether a nanotube exhibits metallic or semiconducting electrical properties.

The exceptional strength and stiffness of nanotubes, attributed to the strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms, make them candidates for reinforcing composite materials. Their high electrical conductivity and potential for controllable band gaps also suggest applications in nanoelectronics, sensors, and energy storage devices. Research is ongoing to develop scalable and cost-effective methods for producing high-quality nanotubes and to fully understand and harness their remarkable properties for future innovations.