Carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Nanotubes, the last in the focus of scientists in a series of "all carbon" materials discovered over the last several decades are the most interesting and have the greatest potential. This review aims at presenting in a concise manner the considerable amount of knowledge accumulated since the discovery of this amazing form of solid carbon, particularly during the last 15 years. The topics include methods of synthesis, mathematical description, characterization by Raman spectroscopy, most important properties and applications. Problems related to the determination of CNT properties, as well as difficulties regarding their applications, in particular scaling, which would lead to their utilization, are outlined.