Single Carbon Nanotube - Full Technical Breakdown
A single carbon nanotube (SWCNT) is a cylindrical structure formed by rolling a single graphene sheet.
Diameter ~1 nm, length can be microns to centimeters.
Built from a 2D hexagonal lattice of carbon atoms (sp² hybridization).
Each carbon bonds to 3 neighbors forming a honeycomb structure.
Defined by chiral vector (n,m). Determines diameter and twist.
Armchair (n=n), Zigzag (m=0), Chiral (general case).
d = (a/π) * sqrt(n² + nm + m²), where a ≈ 0.246 nm.
Determines physical size and electronic properties.
If (n - m) % 3 == 0 → metallic, else semiconducting.
Enables nanoscale transistors and conductors.
sp² bonding with strong σ bonds and delocalized π electrons.
Responsible for strength and conductivity.
Extremely strong: Young’s modulus ~1 TPa.
High tensile strength, lightweight.
High thermal conductivity (~3500 W/mK).
Efficient heat dissipation material.
Nanoelectronics, composites, sensors, medical delivery systems.
