Carbon molecule, in the shape of a tube, having a fullerene structure and a diameter of about 1 or 2 nanometers
Synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their formation into arrays (forests), yarns, sheets and sponges are summarized. CNTs, which are aligned perpendicular to the substrate (arrays, forests) with well-defined patterns, are synthesized by chemical vapor deposition with different precursors. Marked acceleration of formation of CNTs by water vapor is found.
In order to make it into yarns
As-grown CNTs are formed into yarns, sheets and sponges by different techniques. Their applications are reviewed; composites with polymer, electrodes of electrochemical capacitors, reinforcing additives for the electrodes of lithium-ion batteries, etc.
A microscopic tube whose diameter is measured in nanometers especially : one of pure carbon : BUCKYTUBE