Nanotube Superfiber Materials: Chapter 19. Transition from Tubes to Sheets-A Comparison of the Properties and Applications of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene (Micro and Nano Technologies)

This chapter provides a systematic comparison of band structures, physical properties as well as associated applications between carbon nanotubes and graphene. Both these two carbon-based nanomaterials are composed of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms based on sp2 hybridization and thus share some relevant characteristics. However, they have significantly different electronic states due to their morphological variation in quantum confinement, which is responsible for their different electrical, mechanical, and optical properties. This chapter provides readers some basic knowledge, hints, and insights for choosing appropriate carbon-based nanomaterials for specific applications in electronics, machines, composites, optics, optoelectronics, and other areas.