Emerging Applications of Carbon Nanotubes

TLDR

Carbon nanotubes, prized for their unique electrical and mechanical properties, have been extensively modified and assembled into devices, enabling diverse applications such as transparent electrodes for OLEDs, lithium‑ion batteries, supercapacitors, field‑effect transistors, catalysis, sensing, filtration, and biomedical uses. This review surveys illustrative examples across these domains to provide an overview of CNT applications. The authors compile and discuss these examples to illustrate how CNTs are employed in each application area.

Abstract

On the basis of their unique electrical and mechanical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted great attention in recent years. A diverse array of methods has been developed to modify CNTs and to assemble them into devices. On the basis of these innovations, many applications that include the use of CNTs have been demonstrated. Transparent electrodes for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and CNT-based electronic components such as field-effect transistors (FETs) have been demonstrated. Furthermore, CNTs have been employed in catalysis and sensing as well as filters and mechanical and biomedical applications. This review highlights illustrative examples from these areas to give an overview of applications of CNTs.