Carbon nanotubes and other carbon nanomaterials as probes of physical phenomena
Markus Ahlskog
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are seen as one of the main components in future nanotechnology and already today as a superb system in which the phenomena of nanoscale physics can be investigated. They are, however, a part of the wider field of carbon nanomaterials, which together count for a very good share of the width and depth of the total activity in nanoscience. Along with their electronic properties, carbon nanotubes have been praised for their mechanical properties, such as high strength and flexibility. A carbon nanotube is a freestanding conductor and its mechanical properties are highly relevant for the electronic properties and the potential technological applications of the tube. A systematic study has been undertaken of the low temperature transport properties of single multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) as a function of diameter and length. This work complements and bridges previous works on both single walled nanotubes and MWNT’s, and also to the field of graphene nanoribbons. To reach a wider impact with CNT materials, it is essential to have a full control and understanding of their behavior as colloid particles, since in most cases CNT devices are fabricated via dispersions. Progress in this area is presented.
