Carbon nanotubes as liquid crystals

Shanju Zhang; Kumar, S.

Source: Small, v 4, n 9, Sept. 2008, 1270-83

ISSN: 1613-6810

Publisher: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, Germany

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are the best of known materials with a combination of excellent mechanical, electronic, and thermal properties. To fully exploit individual nanotube properties for various applications, the grand challenge is to fabricate macroscopic ordered nanotube assemblies. Liquid-crystalline behavior of the nanotubes provides a unique opportunity toward reaching this challenge. In this review, the recent developments in this area are critically reviewed by discussing the strategies for fabricating liquid-crystalline phases, addressing the solution properties of liquid-crystalline suspensions, and exploiting the practical techniques of liquid-crystal routes to prepare macroscopic nanotube fibers and films. ©2008 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. (101 refs.)

terms:  carbon nanotubes  -  liquid crystals  -  nanotechnology  -  reviews  -  suspensions