Week 3-4 : Carbon Based Nanostructures (Graphene, Carbon Nanotubes): Their Properties & Applications

Carbon Nanostructures

Graphene:  is the two-dimensional (2D) crystalline form of carbon whose extraordinary electron mobility and other unique features hold great promise for nanoscale electronics and photonics.Tests have shown that the electronic mobility of graphene is very high, with theoretically potential limits of 200,000 cm2·V−1·s−1. It is said that graphene electrons act very much like photons in their mobility due to their lack of mass. These charge carriers are able to travel sub-micrometer distances without scattering. However, the quality of the graphene and the substrate that is used will be the limiting factors. Electrical resistivity for Graphene is 10 nΩ·m (at 20 °C)  and that of Cu is 16.78 nΩ·m (at 20 °C). It is also an excellent heat conductor.The measured thermal conductivity of graphene is in the range 3000 – 5000 W/mK at room temperature much higher than metals, for example for Cu i.e. 401 W/mK. Graphene is alos known as strongest material in the world even stronger than diamond due to its very strong C-C bonds. Graphene is also very light, flexible and transparent. In short Graphene has very extraordinary properties, which can be utilized to make highly efficient, faster, cheaper and  light weight devices.

Carbon Nanotubes: Similarly carbon nano tubes which are rolled (cylindrical) form of graphene (1D nanomaterial) have also extra-ordinary properties like graphene.

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