Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are tubular nanomaterials formed by rolling up layers of graphite. They possess a range of unique physical and chemical properties, making them widely applicable in materials science and nanotechnology. First, CNTs exhibit extremely high mechanical properties, with tensile strengths reaching 50–150 GPa and Young's modulus reaching the 1 TPa level-tens of times higher than steel-while maintaining low density and flexibility. Therefore, they demonstrate excellent reinforcement effects in composite and structural materials.
CNTs also exhibit exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity. Single-walled carbon nanotubes have high electron mobility, exhibiting metallic or semiconductor properties. Their electrical conductivity can be used in electronic devices, conductive composites, and sensors. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes can achieve thermal conductivity of 3000–3500 W/m·K, making them crucial in thermal management materials and high thermal conductivity composites.
CNTs possess high specific surface area and chemical stability. Individual nanotubes are only a few nanometers in diameter, but can reach lengths of several micrometers to millimeters, resulting in a huge specific surface area. This gives them excellent performance in adsorption, catalysis, and energy storage materials. Furthermore, CNTs are stable to most chemical reagents, resistant to high temperatures and corrosion, making them suitable for long-term use in complex environments.
