CARBON NANOTUBES Meaning and
Definition
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Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical, tube-like structures composed of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. They are one-dimensional nanomaterials with exceptionally small diameters on the nanometer scale and remarkable mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.
These nanotubes possess a high aspect ratio, meaning their length can be substantially larger than their diameter. They can be single-walled (SWCNTs), consisting of a single tube layer, or multi-walled (MWCNTs), consisting of concentrically arranged multiple tubes, resembling the layers of an onion. The diameters of carbon nanotubes typically range from a few to tens of nanometers, with lengths reaching up to several centimeters.
Carbon nanotubes exhibit remarkable mechanical strength, with tensile strengths several hundred times stronger than steel, making them one of the strongest known materials. They also possess excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and optical properties, as well as high chemical stability.
Due to their unique combination of properties, carbon nanotubes have a wide range of potential applications in various fields. These include nanoelectronics, where they can serve as components in transistors and ultrasmall wiring, as well as in energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors. Additionally, they can be employed in composite materials, enhancing the mechanical properties of polymers, metals, and ceramics. Other potential applications include sensors, actuators, biomedical devices, and even in the development of lightweight and strong materials for aerospace and automotive industries.
However, despite their significant potential, the large-scale production, purification, and manipulation of carbon nanotubes still present challenges, limiting their widespread commercial adoption.
Etymology of CARBON NANOTUBES
The term "carbon nanotubes" is derived from the combination of two words – "carbon" and "nanotubes".
The word "carbon" originated from the Latin word "carbo" which means "charcoal" or "coal". It is also related to the ancient Greek word "karphos" meaning "wood charcoal". Carbon is an element found in all living organisms and is known for its exceptional ability to form strong chemical bonds with other elements.
The word "nanotubes" is a combination of two terms – "nano" and "tubes". The prefix "nano" comes from the Greek word "nanos", meaning "dwarf". It is commonly used as a prefix in the metric system to denote one billionth of a unit. "Tube", on the other hand, refers to a cylindrical or hollow structure.
