CARBON NANOTUBES

What Are Carbon Nanotubes?

Carbon nanotubes are carbon fiber (or carbon-based fiber) with a cylindrical shape. The name ‘nanotube’ comes from these cylindrical fibers . They are often called ‘allotropes’ of carbon, amorphous carbon. Single-wall carbon nanotubes are just a single layer of these hexagonal lattices. Multiwall carbon nanotubes are made of multiple layers of single-wall nanotubes.

Based on their structure they can be classified into:

1. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)
2. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)

Advantages of Carbon Nanotubes

1. Exceptional Strength: Carbon nanotubes are incredibly durable due to their strong covalent bonds, making them tougher than steel and much lighter.
2. Extraordinary Conductivity: SWCNTs show impressive electrical conductivity, more than copper wire. Their exceptional thermal conductivity contributes to efficient heat dissipation.
3. High Aspect Ratio: They have extremely high length-to-diameter ratio, offering a vast surface area for various interactions with enhanced performance in material science applications.
4. High Flexibility: Carbon nanotubes can bend and flex without losing their structural integrity, allowing them to withstand immense strain and deformation.

Applications of Carbon Nanotubes

• Polymers
• Semiconductors and Electronics
• Batteries and Energy Storage
• Aerospace and Automotive Applications
• Environmental Applications
• Industrial and Structural Materials