Science and Technology of Carbon Nanotubes: Promise and Challenge

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) allegedly hold potential for use in a variety of applications ranging from nano-electronic devices, gas- and bio-sensors, interconnects in integrated circuitry, supercapacitors, gas storage materials, field emission sources to ultrastrong fibers and more. This presentation will provide a broad introduction to the fundamental electronic, mechanical and physicochemical properties of CNTs which provide the basis of much speculation and which have sparked the interest and imagination of researchers worldwide. Some of the challenges for making the transition from CNT-science to viable technologies will be outlined. Regardless of such difficulties, however, CNTs continue to fascinate researchers if seen from a fundamental perspective. Some recent advances and developments that have attracted particular attention will be discussed in this context.