A versatile method to characterize the mechanical and optical carbon nanotubes : some potential applications related to adsorption on, confinement within and functionalisation of the graphene surface

After a short review of carbon nanotube characteristics, some of the potent ial real-world uses of these novel materials are presented within the three domains indicated in the title. Some of the possible areas of application which are discussed include gas storage and sensing, quantum sieving, nanom etric test tubes and formation of 1 Delta wires with interesting magnetic, electrical or superconducting properties, catalysis, chemical force microsc opy, composite materials for mechanical, electrical or device-related purpo ses.