Since their discovery more than a decade ago, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have held scientists and engineers in captive fascination, seated on the verge of enormous breakthroughs in areas such as medicine, electronics, and materials science, to name but a few. Taking a broad look at CNTs and the tools used to study them, Carbon Nanotubes: Properties and Applications comprises the efforts of leading nanotube researchers led by Michael O'Connell, protege of the late father of nanotechnology, Richard Smalley. Each chapter is a self-contained treatise on various aspects of CNT synthesis, characterization, modification, and applications.

The book opens with a general introduction to the basic characteristics and the history of CNTs, followed by discussions on synthesis methods and the growth of "peapod" structures. Coverage then moves to electronic properties and band structures of single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs), magnetic properties, Raman spectroscopy of electronic and chemical behavior, and electromechanical properties and applications in NEMS (nanoelectromechanical systems). Turning to applications, the final sections of the book explore mechanical properties of SWNTs spun into fibers, sidewall functionalization in composites, and using SWNTs as tips for scanning probe microscopes.

Taking a fresh look at this burgeoning field, Carbon Nanotubes: Properties and Applications points the way toward making CNTs commercially viable.

LIG is a revolutionary technique that uses a common CO2 infrared laser scriber, like the one used in any machine shop, for the direct conversion of polymers into porous graphene under ambient conditions. This technique combines the preparation and patterning of 3D graphene in a single step, without the use of wet chemicals. The ease in the structural engineering and excellent mechanical properties of the 3D graphene obtained have made LIG a versatile technique for applications across many fields. This book compiles cutting-edge research on LIG by different research groups all over the world. It discusses the strategies that have been developed to synthesize and engineer graphene, including controlling its properties such as porosity, composition, and surface characteristics. The authors are pioneers in the discovery and development of LIG and the book will appeal to anyone involved in nanotechnology, chemistry, environmental sciences, and device development, especially those with an interest in the synthesis and applications of graphene-based materials.

Graphene Extraction from Waste: A Sustainable Synthesis Approach for Graphene and its Derivatives introduces readers to strategies of graphene extraction from waste, an important advance in graphene material development to support the low-cost and large-scale production of this valuable material. The book compares the various green synthesis routes for graphene materials and its derivatives, with a view on environmental consequences, cost-effectiveness, scalability, possible health hazards and toxicity. Other sections discuss different categories of waste, such as plastic waste, agricultural waste and household waste and the specific considerations of deriving graphene from these sources. Throughout the book, attention is paid to the potential applications of graphene-derived from waste, including challenges and emerging strategies. The book is suitable for researchers and practitioners in research and development in industry who work in the disciplines of materials science and engineering, green chemistry and sustainability.