Carbon nanotubes: Synthesis, properties, and applications

The goal of this article is to provide an updated and in-depth review of so me of the most exciting and important developments in the processing and pr operties of carbon nanotubes. Nanotubes can be formed in various structures using several different processing methods. The synthesis methods used to produce specific kinds of nanotubes are discussed and a comparison is made between the methods used by researchers and industrial producers. This is f ollowed by an overview and discussion of what makes carbon nanotubes intere sting to so many: their mechanical, chemical, electrical, thermal, and opti cal properties. The article ends with a discussion of the future outlook fo r the study of carbon nanotubes.