Carbon nanotubes, science and technology part (I) structure, synthesis and characterisation

Since their discovery in 1991 by the Japanese scientist Sumio Iijima, carbon nanotubes have been of great interest, both from a fundamental point of view and for future applications. Different types of carbon nanotubes can be produced in various ways. Economically feasible large-scale production and purification techniques are still under development. Carbon nanotubes are discussed in this review in terms of history, types, structure, synthesis and characterisation methods. Carbon nanotubes have attracted the fancy of many scientists worldwide. The unique and unusual properties of these structures make them a unique material with a whole range of promising applications. (C) 2010 King Saud University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.