Introduction :Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in 1991 by Iijima , CNTs have been in the focus of materials research as a result of their unique electronic and mechanical properties in combination with their chemical stability. Promising applications of CNTs include electronic devices, field emitters and mechanical strengthening. Among the different methods of CNT synthesis, i.e. electric arc-discharge, laser ablation and catalytic vapour deposition (CVD), the catalytic method seems to be the most promising, in particular in terms of large-scale industrial applications, due to the relative ease with which it is possible to upscale both the preparation and the purification methods. This paper is intended to highlight recent advances in molecular technology involving CNTs, particularly related to CNT growth, manipulation and progress in some applications.
Synthesis of CNT
Synthesis by physical method
Synthesis by chemical method