What is the structure and properties of nanotubes?
It is well known that CNTs are intrinsically composed of pure carbon atoms that arrange and interact with each other by the strong sp2 carbon–carbon chemical bonds and form the unique geometric structure of a carbon network; this gives CNTs fascinating and attractive properties, such as electronic, mechanical, and …
What are the properties of nanotubes?
A nanotube resembles a layer of graphene, rolled into a tube shape. Nanotubes have high tensile strength , so they are strong in tension and resist being stretched. Like graphene, nanotubes are strong, and they conduct electricity because they have delocalised electrons.
What is the structure of nanotubes?
The structure of a carbon nanotube is formed by a layer of carbon atoms that are bonded together in a hexagonal (honeycomb) mesh. This one-atom thick layer of carbon is called graphene, and it is wrapped in the shape of a cylinder and bonded together to form a carbon nanotube.
What are two properties of nanotubes?
CNTs have extraordinary electrical conductivity, heat conductivity, and mechanical properties. They are probably the best electron field-emitter possible. They are polymers of pure carbon and can be reacted and manipulated using the well-known and tremendously rich chemistry of carbon.
What are carbon nanotubes and its types?
In addition to the two different basic structures, there are three different possible types of carbon nanotubes. These three types of CNTs are armchair carbon nanotubes, zigzag carbon nanotubes, and chiral carbon nanotubes.
Why are nanotubes important?
With their unique one-dimensional molecular geometry of a large surface area coupled with their excellent electrical properties, CNTs have become important materials for the molecular engineering of electrode surfaces where the development of electrochemical devices with region-specific electron-transfer capabilities …
Why are nanotubes useful?
Carbon nanotubes have been first used as additives to various structural materials for electronics, optics, plastics, and other materials of nanotechnology fields. Since the beginning of the 21st century, they have been introduced in pharmacy and medicine for drug delivery system in therapeutics.
Can nanotubes conduct electricity?
Carbon nanotubes have a very high melting point, as each carbon atom is joined to three other carbon atoms by strong covalent bonds. This also leaves each carbon atom with a spare electron, which forms a sea of delocalised electrons within the tube, meaning nanotubes can conduct electricity.
How are nanotubes used?
CNTs can act as antennas for radios and other electromagnetic devices. Conductive CNTs are used in brushes for commercial electric motors. They replace traditional carbon black. The nanotubes improve electrical and thermal conductivity because they stretch through the plastic matrix of the brush.
Where are carbon nanotubes used?
How do nanotubes work?
Nanotubes act as catalysts when an electric current is passed through them. This enables them to donate electrons to molecules that come in contact with the reaction sites. The reaction is similar to what happens in fuel cells, Chen said, so further research may help in making better fuel cells.
What kind of structure is a carbon nanotube?
Nanotubes are a type of fullerene and are molecular-scale tubes of carbon arranged similarly to the layers in graphite. Carbon nanotubes have a very high melting point, as each carbon atom is joined to three other carbon atoms by strong covalent bonds.
How are carbon nanotubes and fullerenes related to each other?
Carbon nanobuds are a newly created material combining two previously discovered allotropes of carbon: carbon nanotubes and fullerenes. In this new material, fullerene-like “buds” are covalently bonded to the outer sidewalls of the underlying carbon nanotube.
What are the strengths of carbon nanotubes bundles?
If there is applied high-energy electron irradiation which goes through inner shells and tubes, it effectively increases the strengths of these materials (for double-walled carbon nanotubes bundles to 17 GPa and for MWCNTs to 60 GPa). However, if the CNTs are compressed they are not nearly as strong.
Why are carbon nanotubes stronger than alkanes and Diamond?
The unique strength of carbon nanotubes (or fullerenes in general) is due to orbital hybridization, which causes the bonds between adjacent carbon atoms to be of the sp2 type. These bonds, which are similar to those of graphene, are stronger than the sp3 bonds in alkanes and diamond .