50. Carbon Nanotubes and Bucky Materials

The chapter details the underlying phenomena that underpin electronic applications that have followed from the discoveries of C₆₀ and carbon nanotubes. The reduced dimensionality of these self-organised structures, high electron mobility, weak electromigration, and the plethora of quantum electronic effects exhibited by these structures suggest they are serious candidates for molecular electronics. The detail of the surface chemistry and conditions of synthesis assume greater importance than for conventional electronic materials since all atoms are on the exterior of these structures, as is outlined with references to the wider literature. Essential electronic structure information is given with reference to the transport measurements that have contributed greatly to the evolution of the field with emphasis on the Coulomb blockade and ballistic transport phenomena. The major electronic applications are then outlined, giving the state-of-the-art figures of merit for performance and comments on prospects for realisation.