Nanocarbons - recent research in Japan

The definition and classification of nanocarbons are briefly discussed and proposed based mainly on their preparation methods. Recent research related to the preparation of nanocarbons and their applications in Japan is reviewed. This includes nanotube preparation by the template method, the polymer blend method coupled with spinning, heating a Si substrate under a steep temperature gradient in alcohol and the decomposition of a SiC single crystal wafer, and preparation of single-wall carbon nanohorns, cup-stacked-type nanofibers and exfoliated carbon fibers. Nano-structured carbons include the preparation of microporous carbons through PTFE decomposition, carbonization of organic aerogels and the zeolite template method, and preparation of nanostructured carbons through structure control of precursors, carbonization of polyimides, pitch with iodine complexes, and precursor design for high carbon yield. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.