carbonnanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical nanostructures composed of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, resembling rolled-up sheets of graphene. They are a subset of allotropes of carbon with unique mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties that have garnered significant scientific interest.

There are two main types of carbon nanotubes: single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). SWCNTs consist of a single graphene sheet rolled into a seamless cylinder, typically with diameters around 1 nanometer. MWCNTs comprise multiple concentric graphene cylinders nested within one another, with diameters ranging from a few nanometers to tens of nanometers.

Carbon nanotubes exhibit exceptional strength, with tensile strengths surpassing that of steel, and high flexibility. They also demonstrate excellent electrical conductivity, making them promising materials for nanoscale electronics, sensors, and conductive films. Their thermal conductivity is among the highest known for materials, which makes them suitable for heat dissipation applications.

CNTs are synthesized through various methods, including chemical vapor deposition (CVD), arc discharge, and laser ablation. Their production and functionalization aim to improve solubility and integration into composite materials for specific applications.

Despite their promising properties, challenges such as scalable production, uniformity, and potential health hazards hinder widespread commercial use. Research continues to explore their potential uses in fields like electronics, energy storage, medicine, and materials science, highlighting their significance in nanotechnology advancements.