The structure of carbon nanomaterials, specifically carbon nanotubes and graphene, consists of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. In the case of carbon nanotubes, a graphene sheet is rolled into a seamless tube, resembling a cylinder. The carbon atoms in both carbon nanotubes and graphene are sp2 hybridized, which gives them their unique properties.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical structures with diameters ranging from approximately 1 nm to 100 nm. They can be single-walled (SWNTs) or multi-walled (MWNTs), depending on the number of graphene layers rolled into the tube. SWNTs have a single graphene layer rolled into a tube, while MWNTs have multiple layers. The structure of CNTs is similar to that of a half-capped fullerene, with one end of the tube capped by half a fullerene structure.
Graphene, on the other hand, is a two-dimensional sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It can be considered as a single layer of carbon atoms extracted from graphite. Graphene has stable mechanical properties and high electrical and thermal conductivity.
The unique properties of carbon nanomaterials make them ideal candidates for various applications in fields such as electronics, membranes, wastewater treatment, batteries, capacitors, heterogeneous catalysis, as well as biological and medical sciences. The synthesis of nanostructured materials with desired properties has received significant attention, considering that the morphologies, sizes, and phases of nanomaterials greatly influence their properties and potential applications.
It is worth noting that the production of carbon nanomaterials on a large scale is a prime challenge. The synthesis of various carbon nanomaterials, including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, graphene, carbide-derived carbon, carbon nano-onion, and MXenes, can be achieved through methods like chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
In terms of the environmental impact, carbon nanotubes should be compared to alternative materials like carbon black and graphene. Carbon black typically has higher CO2 emissions and higher loading requirements in composites compared to carbon nanotubes and graphene. Additionally, carbon nanotube-reinforced tires have been shown to have lower nanoparticle releases compared to other nanocarbons.
While graphene has led to further development in carbon materials, its production method, particularly the "top-down" approach, has challenges related to energy efficiency, high water requirements, and the use of harsh chemicals. Research on graphene focuses on its conductivity and interlaminar compounds, especially its excellent conductivity.
Overall, the structure of carbon nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes and graphene, provides them with unique properties and opens up a wide range of applications in various fields.
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