NEW CARBON MATERIALS FOR RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

Carbon is the most versatile element in the periodic table. Due to its ability to form both sp(3), sp(2), and sp hybrids and stable multiple p(pi)-p(pi) bonds, carbon can build up 3-, 2-, 1-, and 0-dimensionall y structured substances with a broad variety of physical and chemical properties. In the last decade diamond films, active carbons, carbon f ibres, and carbon-carbon composites were extensively studied. The disc overy of C-60 opened up the world of spherical molecular carbon allotr opes and gave rise to the development of diverse new materials compris ing ultra-hard carbons as well as superconductors. In parallel, the di scovery of the carbon nanotubes enabled the synthesis of new absorbent s, catalysts and electron emitters. Several new carbon phases, like re ctangular diamond or amorphous tetrahedral carbon, are discussed for s pecial applications. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserve d.