hiilinanotubien

Hiilinanotubien, or "carbon nanotubes," are allotropic forms of carbon with a cylindrical nanostructure composed of rolled-up sheets of graphene. Their unique properties make them highly significant in materials science and nanotechnology. Discovered in 1991 by Sumio Iijima, they exhibit exceptional strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity, often surpassing those of traditional materials like steel or copper.

Carbon nanotubes can be single-walled (SWCNTs), consisting of a single sheet of graphene rolled into a tube, or multi-walled (MWCNTs), composed of multiple concentric tubes. Their diameter typically ranges from one to several nanometers, while their length can vary from micrometers to centimeters. The structure and chirality of the nanotubes influence their electrical properties, with some behaving as semiconductors and others as metals.

Applications of carbon nanotubes span multiple industries. In electronics, they are used in transistors, sensors, and conductive composites due to their high electrical conductivity. Their mechanical strength makes them valuable in reinforced composites for aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment. Additionally, they show promise in energy storage, such as in batteries and supercapacitors, as well as in biomedical fields, including drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Despite their potential, challenges remain in large-scale production, cost-effectiveness, and ensuring safety, particularly regarding potential toxicity. Research continues to explore new synthesis methods, such as arc discharge, laser ablation, and chemical vapor deposition, to improve yield and quality. Ethical and environmental concerns also drive ongoing studies into their sustainable production and disposal.