Issue 18, 2024

Controlled synthesis, properties, and applications of ultralong carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are typical one-dimensional nanomaterials which have been widely studied for more than three decades since 1991 because of their excellent mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties. Among various types of CNTs, the ultralong CNTs which have lengths over centimeters and defect-free structures exhibit superior advantages for fabricating superstrong CNT fibers, CNT-based chips, transparent conductive films, and high-performance cables. The length, orientation, alignment, defects, cleanliness, and other microscopic characteristics of CNTs have significant impacts on their fundamental physical properties. Therefore, the controlled synthesis and mass production of high-quality ultralong CNTs is the key to fully exploiting their extraordinary properties. Despite significant progress made in the study of ultralong CNTs during the past three decades, the precise structural control and mass production of ultralong CNTs remain a great challenge. In this review, we systematically summarize the growth mechanism and controlled synthesis strategies of ultralong CNTs. We also introduce the progress in the applications of ultralong CNTs. Additionally, we summarize the scientific and technological challenges facing the mass production of ultralong CNTs and provide an outlook and in-depth discussion on the future development direction.

Graphical abstract: Controlled synthesis, properties, and applications of ultralong carbon nanotubes

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
27 May 2024
Accepted
24 Jun 2024
First published
05 Jul 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Nanoscale Adv., 2024,6, 4504-4521

Controlled synthesis, properties, and applications of ultralong carbon nanotubes

K. Wang, F. Wang, Q. Jiang, P. Zhu, K. Leu and R. Zhang, Nanoscale Adv., 2024, 6, 4504 DOI: 10.1039/D4NA00437J

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