Carbon Nanocones Geometry-Dependent Descriptors Evidence Levels and Polymer Interfaces

Carbon nanocones (CNCs) couple apex topology, geometry, and edge chemistry to electronic structure and adsorption. This critical narrative review defines a descriptor register that records structural identity, property definition, computational or experimental conditions, source location, and evidence class. Comparisons are restricted by model and method compatibility rather than combined into a universal performance score. Direct experimental evidence is architecture-specific: CNC probes characterize polymers, cone–particle assemblies conduct within adhesives, hollow nanocone arrays perform capacitive deionization, and conical carbon films emit electrons. Indirect experimental evidence from nanohorn–polymer composites addresses dispersion, reinforcement, percolation, and responsive interfaces, but does not validate isolated angle-controlled CNCs. Computational predictions include CNC–polyethylene interphases, chitosan-associated adsorption, electronic tuning, ion storage, and thermal rectification. Experimental polymer-related evidence remains sparse and processing-dependent. Source-resolved comparisons replace untraceable pooled gap, work-function, and adsorption-energy ranges; finite-size and edge-state effects prevent a universal angle-to-property ordering. A validation roadmap connects model convergence and structural characterization to matched controls and application-specific tests. The resulting framework supports traceable interpretation while separating computational promise from measured material and device performance.