Carbon Nanotubes: What are They and What Applications Could They be Used in?

This video from Earth & Sky and Too Small To See, is an overview of carbon nanotubes including what carbon nanotubes are and what applications they might bring to reality in the future.

Running Time 1:38

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical nanostructures made of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice.

Their remarkable mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties have made them a focal point of research in nanotechnology and materials science.

The atomic structure of a CNT is defined by its chiral indices (n,m), which specify the perimeter vector (chiral vector) and determine the tube's diameter and helicity.

The chiral vector connects two carbon atoms on the graphene plane, and the nanotube is formed by rolling the sheet to connect these atoms. 

There are two major types of CNTs:

• Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs): Consisting of a single layer of graphene rolled into a cylindrical structure.
• Multi-walled carbon nanotubes: (MWCNTs): Multiple layers of graphene cylinders 'nested' within one another. 

For a more comprehensive explainer on carbon nanotubes, click here!