THE FUTURE OF THE FULLERENES

As the fullerene studies progress, two trends become more visible: the incorporation of the smaller cages of C-60 type into organic chemistr y and the increasing interest in the elongated fullerene species, carb on nanotubes. The latter turn out to be of interest for structural mat erials and for the submicro-electronics application. The mechanical st rength of these molecular fibers combines with electronic properties, that are uniquely tunable by the molecular symmetry of nanotubes. We o utline the basic features of fullerene nanotubes and the more recent f indings in their mechanical and electrical properties. (C) 1998 Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.