Properties of Carbon Nanotubes

Before we dive into application of carbon nanotubes we’re going to mention some of the amazing properties of carbon nanotubes. The following video gives information about structure and basic properties of carbon nanotubes: 

Mechanical Properties of Carbon nanotubes 

As you probably heard the carbon nanotubes have unique mechanical properties. The reason for that is because each carbon atom is connected via strong covalent bond to three neighboring atoms, and therefore the strength of graphite and CNTs is one of the largest of any known material. SWCNTs are stiffer than steel, and are very resistant to damage from physical forces. Scientists proved that pressing on a nanotube tip will cause it to bend without damaging the tip, and when the force is removed, the tip will return to its original state. This property makes CNT’s ideal candidate for probe tips in very high –resolution scanning probe microscopy. 

Thermal conductivity and expansion 

They are the best heat-conducting material scientists found so far. The Ultra-small SWCNTs have been shown to exhibit superconductivity when temperature is around 20 K which is -253.15 °C. Reed more >>>

Electrical Properties of CNTs 

The electrical properties of Carbon nanotubes depend on the hexagon orientation along the tube axis. For example the armchair carbon nanotube can have an electrical conductivity this is six times larger when compared to the normally used electrical wire which is made of metal. The reason for that is the symmetry and unique electronic structure of the graphene. The other two possible orientations of hexagons which are zigzag and chiral have electronic properties similar to semiconductors.

Electrical resistance of CNTs changes significantly when other molecules are attached to the carbon atoms. In addition, the electronic properties can be tailored through external magnetic field and application of mechanical deformation. CNTs have a tunable bandgap.