A single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) is an intriguing nanoscale cylindrical structure composed of a single layer of carbon atoms. Carbon atoms in SWNTs are arranged in a hexagonal lattice pattern, forming a hollow tube with a diameter typically in the nanometer range. SWNTs exhibit exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties due to their unique structure.
Mechanically, SWNTs possess remarkable tensile strength, many times stronger than steel, yet they are extremely lightweight. Their electrical properties range from metallic to semiconducting, depending on their chiral vector, which determines the orientation of the carbon hexagons in the tube. Metallic SWNTs display excellent electrical conductivity, while semiconducting SWNTs can be used in various electronic applications.
Furthermore, SWNTs exhibit excellent thermal conductivity, making them promising candidates for applications in heat dissipation and thermal management. Their high aspect ratio and atomic-level smoothness enable efficient transport of heat along the tube. This property also makes them potential building blocks for nanoscale devices and interconnects.
Due to their remarkable properties and potential applications in various fields, such as electronics, energy storage, nanomedicine, and materials science, SWNTs have attracted considerable attention from scientists and researchers worldwide. The synthesis and characterization of SWNTs remain active areas of research, with the aim of advancing their understanding, improving their production techniques, and enabling widespread utilization in innovative technologies.
