CHAPTER VII: Nanotubes

Introduction
Nanotubes are cylindrical structures made of nanoscale particles, such as carbon atoms, with
unique properties like high strength, electrical and thermal conductivity. Recent
advancements in nanotube research have led to new applications and improved understanding
of their properties. Here are some of the latest advancements:

Latest Advancements and Developments

1. Improved Synthesis Techniques

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are highly desirable for their unique electronic and
mechanical properties that make them attractive for a wide range of applications,
including electronics, energy, and materials science. However, controlled synthesis of
CNTs with specific properties has been a significant challenge in nanotechnology.
Recent advances in synthesis techniques, such as chemical vapor deposition and laser
ablation, have enabled the production of high-quality CNTs with controlled properties.
This development creates new opportunities for the utilization of CNTs in various fields.
Nonetheless, further research is needed to fully explore the potential of CNTs.

 Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a widely used method for synthesizing carbon
nanotubes (CNTs) with controlled properties. It involves introducing a hydrocarbon gas
into a reactor chamber containing a catalyst-coated substrate, then heating the gas to high
temperatures to form nanotubes on the catalyst surface. CVD can produce high-purity
single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with various diameters, lengths, and
chiralities, making it an ideal method for many electronic and mechanical applications.

Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2

 Laser Ablation
Laser ablation is a method for synthesizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that uses a high-
power laser to vaporize a carbon target material in a chamber filled with an inert gas.
The vaporized carbon atoms then condense and form CNTs on a substrate placed in the
 chamber. Laser ablation can produce high-quality multi-walled carbon nanotubes
(MWCNTs) with a narrow diameter distribution and high alignment, making it ideal for
nanotube-based sensors and electronic devices.

Figure 1.3.1

Conclusion
Advancements in CNT synthesis techniques like chemical vapor deposition and laser
ablation have produced high-quality nanotubes with controlled properties. These
techniques could lead to new materials and devices with unique properties and
applications, opening up new avenues for research in nanotechnology.

2. Biomedical Applications
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have unique properties that make them attractive for
biomedical research, including drug delivery and tissue engineering. Researchers are
exploring their ability to penetrate cell membranes and create scaffolds for cells to grow
on. CNTs' high surface area, small size, and high aspect ratio make them promising
candidates for various biomedical applications.

● CNTs have great potential for drug delivery due to their ability to penetrate cell
membranes and deliver drugs directly to targeted cells. Researchers have been
exploring various strategies to load drugs onto CNTs and control their release.

A recent study published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces used pH-sensitive
polymer to encapsulate doxorubicin within MWCNTs, allowing for controlled
release in response to the acidic environment of cancer cells and improved efficacy
with reduced toxicity.
Figure 2.1
 Figure 2.2 Figure 2.3

● Tissue Engineering CNTs have been used as scaffolds for tissue engineering,
providing a structure for cells to grow on. The high surface area and mechanical
strength of CNTs make them attractive for this application.

In a recent study, researchers created a three-dimensional scaffold for bone tissue

engineering using MWCNTs and found that it promoted the growth and proliferation
of bone cells and the formation of new bone tissue in vivo.

Figure 2.4.1 Figure 2.4.2

Additional Information
CNTs have potential applications in biomedical research, including imaging, biosensing,
and gene delivery. They have been developed into biosensors for detecting biomolecules
and used in photoacoustic imaging and MRI.

Conclusion
CNTs have great potential in biomedical research with applications in drug delivery,
tissue engineering, imaging, biosensing, and gene delivery. However, further research is
needed to understand their potential risks and benefits and develop safe and effective
strategies for their use.
3. Integration Into Electronics
A. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have potential applications in electronics due to their high
electrical conductivity and small size. Researchers have been exploring ways to
integrate them into transistors and other electronic devices. Recent studies have
demonstrated the feasibility of using CNTs in electronic applications such as flexible
sensors, transistors, and optoelectronic devices.

 Researchers are exploring various methods to integrate CNTs into transistors,

including growing CNTs on a substrate using chemical vapor deposition and
patterning them using lithography, or using CNTs as a solution-processed material
by dispersing them in a liquid and depositing them on a substrate using techniques
like spin-coating or inkjet printing.

Figure 3.1

● CNTs have unique properties such as high electrical conductivity, high mechanical
strength, and high surface area, making them promising for use in electronics.
Researchers have explored ways to integrate CNTs into transistors using methods
like chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and solution processing.

CNTs have also shown potential in biomedical applications such as drug delivery,
tissue engineering, imaging, biosensing, and gene delivery. However, further
research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of CNTs in
biomedical applications and to develop safe and effective strategies for their use.
Overall, CNTs have the potential to revolutionize a variety of fields, but more
research is needed to fully realize their potential and address any safety concerns.
● CNTs are being explored for use in various electronic devices such as sensors, diodes,
and memory devices due to their unique properties. They have been used as sensors
for gas detection and biosensing, and as memory devices that can switch between
conducting and non-conducting states.

CNTs pose a challenge for cost-effective and scalable fabrication process in

electronics. CVD-based approaches produce high-quality CNTs but are limited in
scalability and require expensive equipment, while solution-based approaches offer
a more scalable and cost-effective solution, but have issues like poor alignment and
non-uniformity.

Conclusion
CNTs integrated into electronics could revolutionize the field, enabling faster, smaller,
and more efficient devices. While challenges exist, researchers are actively exploring
ways to overcome them and unlock the full potential of CNT-based electronics.