Exploring Fullerene, CNT, and Graphene: Advances in Carbon Nanomaterials Over the Last Decade

What is it about?

This article reviews the development and applications of carbon nanomaterials, focusing on fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene. It highlights the exceptional properties of these materials, such as their electrical, thermal, and mechanical capabilities, and their potential applications in various sectors, including electronics and renewable energy. The review summarizes the timeline of discoveries of these carbon nanomaterials and discusses various synthesis techniques, such as chemical vapor deposition and laser ablation. A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the role of carbon nanomaterials in renewable energy technologies, particularly fuel cells. It also addresses the challenges in scaling up the production of these materials and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing synthesis processes and material property prediction. The article emphasizes the continuing relevance and potential of carbon nanomaterials in advancing technology and meeting future energy demands.

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Photo by Aedrian Salazar on Unsplash

Photo by Aedrian Salazar on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This review examines the significant advancements in the field of carbon nanomaterials, emphasizing their applications across various sectors such as electronics, energy, and biomedicine. The review highlights the transformative potential of these materials in addressing future energy challenges, given the forecasted increase in global energy demand by 2050. By synthesizing existing literature, the review underscores the role of carbon nanomaterials in enhancing renewable energy technologies, particularly fuel cells, and discusses the implications of artificial intelligence in advancing carbon nanomaterial science. Key Takeaways: 1. This review article summarizes the timeline and discovery of carbon nanomaterials, notably 0D fullerenes, 1D carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and 2D graphene, and highlights their exceptional properties that make them suitable for various technological applications. 2. It compiles recent developments in synthesis techniques for carbon nanomaterials, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), laser ablation, and arc discharge, while addressing the challenges associated with their mass production and economic feasibility. 3. The review discusses the emerging role of artificial intelligence in materials science, particularly in predicting material properties and optimizing synthesis processes, which could potentially revolutionize the development cycles of carbon nanomaterials.