MORPHOLOGICAL INSIGHTS OF CARBON NANOMATERIALS USING ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

Abstract

This paper reviews the application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in analyzing the nanoscale morphological properties of key carbon nanomaterials: carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and fullerene. AFM imaging techniques, operating at sub-nanometer resolutions of approximately 0.5 nm, are utilized to evaluate surface topography, roughness, and dimensional attributes. CNTs exhibit diameters ranging from 1 nm to 10 nm, with surface roughness correlating to their mechanical strength, reported to exceed 50 GPa. For graphene, AFM measurements confirm a monolayer thickness of ∼0.34 nm, while defects such as wrinkles and grain boundaries are identified, which significantly influence its exceptional thermal conductivity of up to 5000 W/mK. Fullerene structures, characterized by their spherical morphology and uniform diameters averaging 0.7 nm, demonstrate superior dispersion in composite matrices. The review further explores the synergistic effects and trade-offs in utilizing these nanomaterials as fillers in composite systems. For instance, graphene improves electrical conductivity by over 200% in polymer composites, while CNTs contribute significantly to mechanical reinforcement, and fullerene enhances chemical stability and compatibility in biomedical applications. Through comparative analysis, the paper identifies pathways to optimize filler performance through tailored dispersion and functionalization. These insights serve as a foundation for future innovations in nanomaterial-enhanced composites across industries.