Carbon Nanotubes: A Review of Synthesis Methods and Applications

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical-shaped materials composed of hexagonally arranged hybridized carbon atoms with versatility in synthesis methods and diverse applications. This review is focused on the fabrication, physicochemical and spectroscopic characterization, and industrial applications of CNTs. This review discusses some promising synthesis methods for the preparation of CNTs such as catalytic chemical vapor deposition, arc discharge, and laser ablation. A comparative discussion is made between these synthesis methods in terms of strengths, opportunities and challenges. Furthermore, functionalization and purification of CNTs’ surface leading to improved functionality has also been highlighted in this article. Finally, the analytical techniques employed to shed light on the physicochemical and morphological properties of CNTs are described.