Carbon Nanotubes: Meaning, Types, and Its Applications

Author: Jack Daniel

Have you ever heard of carbon nanotubes? Probably not. They sound like a futuristic technology that has a lot of vaguely high-tech properties. And that’s pretty much exactly what they are. Sounds interesting. Right? In this blog, we are going to learn more about carbon nanotubes. From its market definition, to its types, and applications. So, let’s begin with the basics first, and let’s explore the meaning of carbon nanotubes.

Industry Overview of Global Carbon Nanotubes Market

In 2023, the size of the Global Carbon Nanotubes Market was valued at USD 3.05 billion, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 17.4% in the forthcoming years, i.e., 2024-2030. The market can be accredited to the extensive applications for the market in verticles, like energy, electronics, defense, textile, automotive, aerospace, along with the sudden growth in the medical industry, and the rising usage of high-end technologies.

The carbon nanotube is a hollow tube that is made with a nanoscale diameter. It is made by folding or rolling two-dimensional graphite into a cylinder structure. It has a diameter of 1-3 nanometers. However, it’s length is broader than its diameter. A carbon nanotube is made up of a layer of carbon atoms that are linked in a hexagonal honeycomb mesh.

How Many Types of Carbon Nanotubes are There?

There are two types of carbon-nanotubes including:

  • Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes: The single-walled carbon nanotubes are represented as SWCNT. These nanotubes exist in a 1-d structure. Some of the most common single-walled CNT are – armchair and zig-zag single-walled carbon nanotubes.

  • Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: The multi-walled carbon nanotubes are represented as MWCNT. They are composed with various carbon nanotubes. Example of multi-walled carbon nanotubes is chiral multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

List of Some Properties of Carbon Nanotubes

There are several properties of Carbon nanotubes. Some of them are listed below:

  • Carbon nanotubes are stiff as a diamond.

  • The gravitational weight of CNT is quite low.

  • Moreover, it’s density is one-fourth of the steel.

  • Furthermore, they are a good conductor of heat, and have enough electrical conductivity.

Summing Up

In conclusion, Carbon Nanotubes are thin elastic tubes that are made with the help of carbon, and the reason that they are called "Nano" is the diameter of these tubes that is very small in size, and is measured in the nanoscale. However, they are a crucial part of the industries, and have several benefits. Moreover, they have exceptional properties like electrical, mechanical, and thermal. All these properties are so strong that they are credited throughout the world in multiple industries.