The theoretical external specific surface area of single- and multi-walled
carbon nanotubes and of carbon nanotube bundles is calculated as a function
of their characteristics (diameter, number of walls, number of nanotubes i
n a bundle). The results are reported in diagrams and tables useful to corr
elate the microscopic characteristics and the specific surface area of samp
les. The calculated values are in good agreement with the microscopic chara
cteristics and the specific surface area measurements which have been previ
ously reported in the literature. The specific surface area is: a macroscop
ic parameter which can be helpful to adjust the synthesis conditions of car
bon nanotubes. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.