Carbon Nanotubes: Properties and Applications

Carbon nanotubes are one of the most sought topics in the field of nanotechnology. Carbon nanotubes are the cylindrical carbon molecules with novel properties of extraordinary strength, flexibility, sensing, conductance, etc. They have the potential to be used in electronics due to their unequalled electronic properties, in medical and pharmacological fields due to their unique surface area and stiffness. They have been observed in various forms, each having its characteristic behavior. Different methods of their preparations such as arc discharge, laser ablation, and chemical vapor deposition to produce nanotubes in sizeable amounts are also discussed. They have an added advantage of being a potential device for drug delivery. The properties and applications of nanotubes are also discussed in this chapter.