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Running Head: REVIEW REPORT: CARBON NANOTUBES 1

Topic: Critical Review Report: Carbon Nanotubes

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REVIEW REPORT: CARBON NANOTUBES 2

Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

The paper majors in the description of the various components, structural and chemical

compositions and the applications of a carbon nanotube. The differences between the chosen

nanomaterial, carbon nanotube, is explained in details as a key concept and the reason for

choosing it. Similarly, the best ways of applying the nanomaterials is detailed for the acquisition

of a better understanding of the application properties of the carbon nanotube. Different

highlighted nanomaterials have their difference and similarities with the carbon nanotube

highlighted for a better choice in the advancing technology applications. Additionally, the

research evaluates the different areas of application for the carbon nanotube that is elaborately

explained including the modes of action during applications. A discussion of the concepts of the

nanomaterials both photonically and electronically are detailed in the paper. The discussion and

conclusion of the review report is a clear indication of the most nanomaterial used in the

advanced technology and the specific recommendations for a further use. However, the paper

does give an open forum for an individual to choose of his or her best nanomaterial of choice

since it highlights the key similarities and differences between the different stated nanomaterials.

Introduction

There are different nanomaterials that have been adopted for numerous industrial uses in

the advancing technology. These include; Carbon nanotube, metal rubber, nano particle,

nanopore and the quantum dots. This paper majors greatly, in the description and understanding

of the nanomaterial type, carbon nanotube (Kruger, 2010). A carbon nanotube is a type of carbon

which has a cylindrical shape and its structure is hexagonal containing the graphite molecules

that are attached at the edges. Basically, they are large molecules that are made up of pure carbon

long and thin and are tube shaped in a length of approximately one to three nanometers in their

diameter. The ideal length of a carbon nanotube is presumed to be hundreds to thousands of

nanometers. The individual molecules are usually stronger as compared to other molecules due

to their bonding properties of the covalent bonds (Monthioux, 2012). This is due to their property

that gives them the hexagonal structure like in graphite molecule.

The nanotube are normally like a powdery or a sooty black component but in real sense

are merely rolled up sheets of the component graphene that does form numerous hollow strands

and walls that have a thickness of about one atom. Originally, the nanotube was also known as

the buckytube and was presumed to have developed from a component known as the fullerene

(Dufresne, 2011). The carbon nanotube is usually structures that are considered to be strong and

posses greater compatibility with other structural materials. For this reason, the advancing

technology has developed many applications of the nanomaterial above as described in the report

review. Thus, the carbon nanotube is a basic component of numerous nanotechnology

advancements as opposed to the other types of nanomaterials. This is clearly depicted in the

below discussion.

Discussion

The structural and chemical concepts of the carbon nanotube can be explained in

different ways regarding the modes of formation and application. To begin with, the carbon

REVIEW REPORT: CARBON NANOTUBES 3

nanotubes usually occur in two different principle forms. The forms are; Single-walled carbon

nanotube (SWCNT) and the multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). Similarly, there exists a

tubular structural form of the carbon nanotube known as the carbon nanofibre (CNF) (Jorio et al,

2008). The pictorial representation of the single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotube is as

shown in the diagram bellow:

Figure 1

First, the single-walled carbon nanotube is usually on the order of a single nanometer but

is on the other hand very long. Conceptually, the single-walled carbon nanotube is a single atom

thick layer of graphite that is referred to as the grapheme (Bettelheim, 2007). Occasionally, it is

wrapped into a seamless cylinder with either an open or closed end. However, as the name

suggests, the multi-walled carbon nanotube possess multi concentric layers of graphene thus

giving them a tubular shape. The SWCNT is an important component in the nanotechnological

industries since it is capable of being modified to the properties of a tailor just like that for and

“Ink” (Guldi et al, 2011). The two different types of carbon nanotube possess different levels of

electronic concepts to understand depending on their configuration. Therefore, the single-walled

carbon nanotube forms the basis for the important electronic applications that includes the semi-

conductor components, memory and the transparent conducting films for the touch screens,

sensors solar cells and displays (Fahlman, 2011). The electrical conductivity of these different

types of carbon nanotube usually depends on the electrical configuration of each. Moreover, they

are capable of efficiently conducting heat. In the advanced world, there are different techniques

that have been improvised to produce the carbon nanotube in comparatively sizable quantities

(Hierold, 2008). The different techniques of synthesizing carbon nanotube include; laser

ablation, arc discharge and the high-pressure carbon monoxide disproportionation.

In details, the arc discharge is a method where by the carbon nanotube is discharged

using a current of about 100 Amperes (Javey, 2007). In this case, the carbon contained in the

negative electrode sublimes; due to the high discharge of temperatures. In the laser ablation,

pulse laser vaporizes a target of graphite under high temperature reaction while an inert gas is

blown into the chamber. The carbon nanotube has been considered as an important component in

the nanotechnology industries. For instance, it is used as a multipurpose innovative carrier for

diagnostic applications and drug deliveries (Dresselhaus et al, 2001). The carbon nanotubes can

be used as the substrates for the neural cell growths. This is possible due to their size and shape

being similar to the neural processes. They are also strong and flexible and can as well be made

conductive. The above properties are responsible for their application in the neuroscience.

Conclusion

REVIEW REPORT: CARBON NANOTUBES 4

In conclusion, the review report depicts clearly the capable applications and the various

differences between carbon nanotubes and other nanomaterials that are used in the

nanotechnology industries. The carbon nanotubes are therefore considered a key component of

different nanotechnology industries. The above explained applications of carbon nanotubes

elaborates that the chosen nanomaterial is a key component of the advancements in the

developing industries. Therefore, I would recommend for the perfect adoption of the carbon

nanotube in most industries including the concrete manufacturing industries.

Reference

Dresselhaus, M. S., Dresselhaus, G., Avouris, P., & LINK (Online service). (2001). Carbon

nanotubes: Synthesis, structure, properties, and applications. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.

Javey, A. (2007). Carbon nanotube electronics. Berlin: Springer.

Hierold, C. (2008). CNT-based nanosystems. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH.

Fahlman, B. D. (2011). Materials Chemistry [recurso electrónico]. Paises Bajos: Springer

Netherlands.

Guldi, D. M., & Martin, N. (2010). Carbon nanotubes and related structures: Synthesis,

characterization, functionalization, and applications. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH.

Bettelheim, F. A. (2007). Introduction to general, organic, and biochemistry. Belmont, CA:

Thomson Brooks/Cole.

Jorio, A., Dresselhaus, G., & Dresselhaus, M. S. (2008). Carbon nanotubes: Advanced topics in

the synthesis, structure, properties, and applications. Berlin: Springer.

Krger, A. (2010). Carbon materials and nanotechnology. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH.

Monthioux, M. (2012). Carbon meta-nanotubes: Synthesis, properties, and applications.

Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons.

Dufresne, A. (2012). Nanocellulose: From nature to high performance tailored materials.

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