carbon nanotube
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A carbon nanotube is a fullerene molecule with a cylindrical or toroidal (doughnut-shaped) structure. It is a tube-shaped material made of carbon, with a diameter measured in nanometers (one-billionth of a meter). These structures have exceptional strength, unique electrical properties, and high thermal conductivity.
Usage
The term carbon nanotube is used as a countable noun to refer to individual molecules or as a non-count noun to refer to the material or technology in general. It is primarily a technical term used in fields like nanotechnology, materials science, chemistry, and engineering.
Examples
- The carbon nanotube is one of the strongest and stiffest materials yet discovered.
- Researchers are developing methods to mass-produce carbon nanotubes for commercial applications.
- The unique electrical properties of carbon nanotube could revolutionize electronics.
- This composite material is reinforced with carbon nanotube.
Advanced Usage
- Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT): A type of nanotube consisting of a single cylindrical layer of carbon atoms.
- Single-walled carbon nanotubes are often studied for their electrical properties.
- Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT): A type of nanotube consisting of multiple concentric cylinders of carbon atoms.
- Multi-walled carbon nanotubes are typically used for mechanical reinforcement.
Variants and Related Words
- Nanotube (n): A more general term for any tube with nanoscale dimensions; carbon nanotube is the most common and significant type.
- Buckytube (n): A less common synonym for carbon nanotube.
- Fullerene (n): The family of carbon molecules that includes carbon nanotubes, buckyballs (spherical fullerenes), and other shapes.
Synonyms
- Nanotube
- Buckytube (specific to carbon)
Related Phrases and Compounds
- Carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (CNTFET): A type of transistor that uses a carbon nanotube as the channel material.
- Carbon nanotube yarn: A thread or fiber spun from many carbon nanotubes.
Noun
- a fullerene molecule having a cylindrical or toroidal shape