Nanotube Superfiber Materials Chapter 4. Synthesis and Properties of Ultralong Carbon Nanotubes

Ultralong carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are ideal building blocks for nanodevices and superstrong fibers. Due to their high-aspect-ratio structure formed from sp2 hybrid C–C bonds, they have extraordinary mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. It is of great importance to synthesize ultralong CNTs with controlled structures as well as optimized properties for their applications. This chapter discusses the synthesis methods, growth mechanisms, structures, electrical and mechanical properties, as well as the applications of ultralong CNTs. We show that the controlled synthesis of ultralong CNTs with certain structures and properties is of fundamental importance for their applications. Finally, we also show that the mechanical properties of ultralong CNTs are near the theoretical value, showing great potential for their applications in superstrong fibers.