Science and Applications of Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes present extraordinary and unique mechanical and electronic characteristics making them ideal for a wide range of applications. This book, divided into two parts will first describe the scientific principles behind the structure, characterization, and synthesis of carbon nanotubes. The book will focus on single-walled, multiwalled, and Y-shaped carbon nanotubes as particular forms of carbon based materials. The second part will be devoted to current and potential applications of carbon nanotubes, emphasizing polymer-carbon nanotube composites, biocompatibility and toxicity issues, and potential applications for biological and medical applications. Individual chapters are contributed by experts emphasizing key research issues surrounding carbon nanotubes such as atomic and electronic structure, physical and chemical properties, analysis and characterization techniques for carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotubes based composites, and quality control. Application areasinclude composite materials with outstanding mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, energy storage, potential hydrogen storage capabilities, and also sensors, biosensors, and microelectronics.