Synthesis of carbon nanotubes

Carbon Nanotubes for Targeted Therapy: Safety, Efficacy, Feasibility and Regulatory Aspects

It is crucial that novel and efficient drug delivery techniques be created in order to improve the pharmacological profiles of a wide variety of classes of medicinal compounds. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently come to the forefront as an innovative and very effective technique for transporting and translocating medicinal compounds. CNTs were suggested and aggressively researched as multifunctional novel transporters designed for targeted pharmaceutical distribution and used in diagnosis. CNTs can act as vectors for direct administration of pharmaceuticals, particularly chemotherapeutic medications. Multi-walled CNTs make up the great majority of CNT transporters, and these CNTs were used in techniques to target cancerous cells. It is possible to employ Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to transport bioactive peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and medicines by functionalizing them with these substances. Due to their low toxicity and absence of immunogenicity, carbon nanotubes are not immunogenic. Ammonium-functionalized carbon nanotubes are also attractive vectors for gene-encoding nucleic acids. CNTs that have been coupled with antigenic peptides have the potential to be developed into a novel and efficient approach for the use of synthetic vaccines. CNTs bring up an enormous number of new avenues for future medicine development depending on targets within cells, which have until now been difficult to access. This review focuses on the numerous applications of various CNT types used as medicine transport systems and on the utilization of CNTs for therapeutical purposes.

Nanomaterials for photo-electrochemical water splitting: a review

Over the last few decades, the global rise in energy demand has prompted researchers to investigate the energy requirements from alternative green fuels apart from the conventional fossil fuels, due to the surge in CO2 emission levels. In this context, the global demand for hydrogen is anticipated to extend by 4-5% in the next 5 years. Different production technologies like gasification of coal, partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, and reforming of natural gas are used to obtain high yields of hydrogen. In present time, 96% of hydrogen is produced by the conventional methods, and the remaining 4% is produced by the electrolysis of water. Photo-electrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising and progressive solar-to-hydrogen pathway with high conversion efficiency at low operating temperatures with substrate electrodes such as fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), incorporated with photocatalytic nanomaterials. Several semiconducting nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, TiO2, ZnO, graphene, alpha-Fe2O3, WO3, metal nitrides, metal phosphides, cadmium-based quantum dots, and rods have been reported for PEC water splitting. The design of photocatalytic electrodes plays a crucial role for efficient PEC water splitting process. By modifying the composition and morphology of photocatalytic nanomaterials, the overall solar-to-hydrogen (STH) energy conversion efficiency can be improved by optimizing their opto-electronic properties. The present article highlights the recent advancements in cleaner and effective photocatalysts for producing high yields of hydrogen via PEC water splitting.

Fighting bacterial pathogens with carbon nanotubes: focused review of recent progress

The fast and global spread of bacterial resistance to currently available antibiotics results in a great and urgent need for alternative antibacterial agents and therapeutic strategies. Recent studies on the application of nanomaterials as antimicrobial agents have demonstrated their potential for the management of infectious diseases. Among the diverse palette of nanomaterials currently used in biomedical applications, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have gained massive interest given their many valuable properties, such as high thermal and electrical conductivity, tensile strength, flexibility convenient aspect ratio, and low fabrication costs. All these features are augmented by facile conjugation with functional groups. CNTs are currently available in many configurations, with two main categories being single-walled and multi-walled CNTs, depending on the number of rolled-up single-layer carbon atoms sheets making up the nanostructure. Both classes have been identified over the past years as promising antibacterial agents but the current level of understanding of their efficiency still harbors many pending questions. This mini-review surveys recent progress on the topic of antibacterial effects of CNTs and examines the proposed mechanisms of action(s) of different CNT typologies, placing the main focus on past studies addressing the antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, two prototypical Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, respectively.

How does particulate air pollution affect barrier functions and inflammatory activity of lung vascular endothelium?

Both particulate matter and gaseous components of air pollution have already been shown to increase cardiovascular mortality in numerous studies. It is, however, important to note that on their way to the bloodstream the polluting agents pass the lung barrier. Inside the alveoli, particles of approximately 0.4-1 μm are most efficiently deposited and commonly undergo phagocytosis by lung macrophages. Not only the soluble agents, but also particles fine enough to leave the alveoli enter the bloodstream in this finite part of the endothelium, reaching thus higher concentrations in close proximity of the alveoli and endothelium. Additionally, deposits of particulate matter linger in direct proximity of the endothelial cells and may induce inflammation, immune responses, and influence endothelial barrier dysfunction thus increasing PM bioavailability in positive feedback. The presented discussion provides an overview of possible components of indoor PM and how endothelium is thus influenced, with emphasis on lung vascular endothelium and clinical perspectives.

A comprehensive review on bio-mimicked multimolecular frameworks and supramolecules as scaffolds for enzyme immobilization

Immobilization depicts a propitious route to optimize the catalytic performances, efficient recovery, minimizing autocatalysis, and also augment the stabilities of enzymes, particularly in unnatural environments. In this opinion, supramolecules and multimolecular frameworks have captivated immense attention to achieve profound controllable interactions between enzyme molecules and well-defined natural or synthetic architectures to yield protein bioconjugates with high accessibility for substrate binding and enhanced enantioselectivities. This scholastic review emphasizes the possibilities of associating multimolecular complexes with biological entities via several types of interactions, namely covalent interactions, host-guest complexation, π - π ${\rm{\pi }}-{\rm{\pi }}$ interactions, intra/inter hydrogen bondings, electrostatic interactions, and so forth offers remarkable applications for the modulations of enzymes. The potential synergies between artificial supramolecular structures and biological systems are the primary concern of this pedagogical review. The majority of the research primarily focused on the dynamic biomolecule-responsive supramolecular assemblages and multimolecular architectures as ideal platforms for the recognition and modulation of proteins and cells. Embracing sustainable green demeanors of enzyme immobilizations in a quest to reinforce site-selectivity, catalytic efficiency, and structural integrality of enzymes are the contemporary requirements of the biotechnological sectors that instigate the development of novel biocatalytic systems.

Nanomaterials for optical biosensors in forensic analysis

Biosensors are compact analytical devices capable of transducing a biological interaction event into a measurable signal outcome in real-time. They can provide sensitive and affordable analysis of samples without the need for additional laboratory equipment or complex preparation steps. Biosensors may be beneficial for forensic analysis as they can facilitate large-scale high-throughput, sensitive screening of forensic samples to detect target molecules that are of high evidential value. Nanomaterials are gaining attention as desirable components of biosensors that can enhance detection and signal efficiency. Biosensors that incorporate nanomaterials within their design have been widely reported and developed for medical purposes but are yet to find routine employment within forensic science despite their proven potential. In this article, key examples of the use of nanomaterials within optical biosensors designed for forensic analysis are outlined. Their design and mechanism of detection are both considered throughout, discussing how nanomaterials can enhance the detection of the target analyte. The critical evaluation of the optical biosensors detailed within this review article should help to guide future optical biosensor design via the incorporation of nanomaterials, for not only forensic analysis but alternative analytical fields where such biosensors may prove a valuable addition to current workflows.

Pillar[n]arene-Mimicking/Assisted/Participated Carbon Nanotube Materials

The recent progress in pillar[n]arene-assisted/participated carbon nanotube hybrid materials were initially summarized and discussed. The molecular structure of pillar[n]arene could serve different roles in the fabrication of attractive carbon nanotube-based materials. Firstly, pillar[n]arene has the ability to provide the structural basis for enlarging the cylindrical pillar-like architecture by forming one-dimensional, rigid, tubular, oligomeric/polymeric structures with aromatic moieties as the linker, or forming spatially "closed", channel-like, flexible structures by perfunctionalizing with peptides and with intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Interestingly, such pillar[n]arene-based carbon nanotube-resembling structures were used as porous materials for the adsorption and separation of gas and toxic pollutants, as well as for artificial water channels and membranes. In addition to the art of organic synthesis, self-assembly based on pillar[n]arene, such as self-assembled amphiphilic molecules, is also used to promote and control the dispersion behavior of carbon nanotubes in solution. Furthermore, functionalized pillar[n]arene derivatives integrated carbon nanotubes to prepare advanced hybrid materials through supramolecular interactions, which could also incorporate various compositions such as Ag and Au nanoparticles for catalysis and sensing.

Green Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization and Biomedical Applications of Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes are nano-sized cylindrical chicken wire-like structures made of carbon atoms. Carbon nanotubes have applications in electronics, energy storage, electromagnetic devices, environmental remediation and medicine as well. The biomedical applications of carbon nanotubes can be owed to features like low toxicity, non-immunogenicity, high in vivo stability and rapid cell entry. Carbon nanotubes have a great prospect in the treatment of diseases through diagnostic as well as therapeutic approaches. These nanostructures are interesting carriers for delivery and translocation of therapeutic molecules e.g. proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, drugs, etc. to various organs like the brain, lungs, liver, and pancreas. Commonly used methods to synthesize carbon nanotubes are arc discharge, chemical vapor deposition, pyrolysis, laser ablation etc. These methods have many disadvantages such as operation at high temperature, use of chemical catalysts, prolonged synthesis time and inclusion of toxic metallic particles in the final product requiring additional purification processes. In order to avoid these setbacks, various green chemistry-based synthetic methods have been devised, e.g., those involving interfacial polymerization, supercritical carbon dioxide drying, plant extract assisted synthesis, water- assisted synthesis, etc. This review will provide a thorough outlook of the eco-friendly synthesis of carbon nanotubes reported in the literature and their biomedical applications. Besides, the most commonly used spectroscopic techniques used for the characterization of carbon nanotubes are also discussed.

Combinatorial design of molecular seeds for chirality-controlled synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes

The chirality-controlled synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is a major challenge facing current nanomaterials science. The surface-assisted bottom-up fabrication from unimolecular CNT seeds (precursors), which unambiguously predefine the chirality of the tube during the growth, appears to be the most promising approach. This strategy opens a venue towards controlled synthesis of CNTs of virtually any possible chirality by applying properly designed precursor molecules. However, synthetic access to the required precursor molecules remains practically unexplored because of their complex structure. Here, we report a general strategy for the synthesis of molecular seeds for the controlled growth of SWCNTs possessing virtually any desired chirality by combinatorial multi-segmental assembly. The suggested combinatorial approach allows facile assembly of complex CNT precursors (with up to 100 carbon atoms immobilized at strictly predefined positions) just in one single step from complementary segments. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated on the synthesis of the precursor molecules for 21 different SWCNT chiralities utilizing just three relatively simple building blocks.

Bottom-up synthesis from rationally designed precursor molecules is one of the most promising routes to single-walled carbon nanotubes of any desired chirality. Here, the authors present a combinatorial approach to easily assemble a variety of these complex nanotube precursors from simple complementary segments.

Recent advances in nanomaterial-enabled acoustic devices for audible sound generation and detection

Acoustic devices are widely applied in telephone communication, human-computer voice interaction systems, medical ultrasound examination, and other applications. However, traditional acoustic devices are hard to integrate into a flexible system and therefore it is necessary to fabricate light weight and flexible acoustic devices for audible sound generation and detection. Recent advances in acoustic devices have greatly overcome the limitations of conventional acoustic sensors in terms of sensitivity, tunability, photostability, and in vivo applicability by employing nanomaterials. In this review, light weight and flexible nanomaterial-enabled acoustic devices (NEADs) including sound generators and sound detectors are covered. Additionally, the fundamental concepts of acoustic as well as the working principle of the NEAD are introduced in detail. Also, the structures of future acoustic devices, such as flexible earphones and microphones, are forecasted. Further exploration of flexible acoustic devices is a key priority and will have a great impact on the advancement of intelligent robot-human interaction and flexible electronics.

A Review of Carbon Nanomaterials' Synthesis via the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Method

Carbon nanomaterials have been extensively used in many applications owing to their unique thermal, electrical and mechanical properties. One of the prime challenges is the production of these nanomaterials on a large scale. This review paper summarizes the synthesis of various carbon nanomaterials via the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. These carbon nanomaterials include fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), graphene, carbide-derived carbon (CDC), carbon nano-onion (CNO) and MXenes. Furthermore, current challenges in the synthesis and application of these nanomaterials are highlighted with suggested areas for future research.

Bioinspired Ultralight Inorganic Aerogel for Highly Efficient Air Filtration and Oil-Water Separation

Inorganic aerogels have been attracting great interest owing to their distinctive structures and properties. However, the practical applications of inorganic aerogels are greatly restricted by their high brittleness and high fabrication cost. Herein, inspired by the cancellous bone, we have developed a novel kind of hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanowire-based inorganic aerogel with excellent elasticity, which is highly porous (porosity ≈ 99.7%), ultralight (density 8.54 mg/cm³, which is about 0.854% of water density), and highly adiabatic (thermal conductivity 0.0387 W/m·K). Significantly, the as-prepared HAP nanowire aerogel can be used as the highly efficient air filter with high PM_2.5 filtration efficiency. In addition, the HAP nanowire aerogel is also an ideal candidate for continuous oil-water separation, which can be used as a smart switch to separate oil from water continuously. Compared with organic aerogels, the as-prepared HAP nanowire aerogel is biocompatible, environmentally friendly, and low-cost. Moreover, the synthetic method reported in this work can be scaled up for large-scale production of HAP nanowires, free from the use of organic solvents. Therefore, the as-prepared new kind of HAP nanowire aerogel is promising for the applications in various fields.

Carbon nanotubes: a novel material for multifaceted applications in human healthcare

Remarkable advances achieved in modern material technology, especially in device fabrication, have facilitated diverse materials to expand the list of their application fields.

Can We Optimize Arc Discharge and Laser Ablation for Well-Controlled Carbon Nanotube Synthesis?

Although many methods have been documented for carbon nanotube (CNT) synthesis, still, we notice many arguments, criticisms, and appeals for its optimization and process control. Industrial grade CNT production is urgent such that invention of novel methods and engineering principles for large-scale synthesis are needed. Here, we comprehensively review arc discharge (AD) and laser ablation (LA) methods with highlighted features for CNT production. We also display the growth mechanisms of CNT with reasonable grassroots knowledge to make the synthesis more efficient. We postulate the latest developments in engineering carbon feedstock, catalysts, and temperature cum other minor reaction parameters to optimize the CNT yield with desired diameter and chirality. The rate limiting steps of AD and LA are highlighted because of their direct role in tuning the growth process. Future roadmap towards the exploration of CNT synthesis methods is also outlined.

Carcinogenic Potential of High Aspect Ratio Carbon Nanomaterials

Engineered nanomaterials, including high aspect ratio carbon nanomaterials, are often commercialized without a complete human risk assessment and safety evaluation. A health concern has been raised that high aspect ratio nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes may cause unintended health consequences, such as asbestos-like lung cancer and mesothelioma, when chronically inhaled. Considering the widespread industrial and clinical applications and the increasing incidence of human exposure to nanomaterials, it is important to address the issue of nanomaterial carcinogenicity in a timely manner. This review summarizes recent advances in nanomaterial genotoxicity and carcinogenicity with a focus on high aspect ratio carbon nanotubes, and discusses current knowledge gaps and future research directions.

Functionalized carbon nanotubes and their promising applications in therapeutics and diagnostics

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted much attention from researchers worldwide in recent years due to their high aspect ratio, high surface area, and excellent material properties, such as electrical and thermal conductivities and mechanical strength. These rolled-up seamless cylinders of graphene sheets possess nanosized hollow-tube-shaped structures. The CNTs can be single-walled, double-walled or multi-walled, depending upon the number of graphene layers from which a single nanotube is composed. The CNTs, favoring encapsulation of drug molecules or by possible attachment of theranostic agents on the nanotube walls, have enabled their use in controlled drug delivery, and in targeting of drug molecules to specific sites such as the lymphatic system, brain, ocular system, and cancerous tissue. This chapter provides an overview of various types of CNTs, methods utilized for their commercial production, and the functionalization approaches employed in drug-delivery applications. In addition, the chapter also endeavors to provide a thoughtful insight into the toxicity and regulatory concerns that need to be addressed before the CNTs can be launched in the market.

The effects of carbon nanotubes on lung and dermal cellular behaviors

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hold great promise to create new and better products, but their adverse health effect is a major concern. Human exposure to CNTs is primarily through inhalation and dermal contact, especially during the manufacturing and handling processes. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated the potential pulmonary and dermal hazards associated with CNT exposure, while in vitro studies have assessed the effects of CNT exposure on various cellular behaviors and have been used to perform mechanistic studies. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathological effects of CNTs and examine the acute and chronic effects of CNT exposure on lung and dermal cellular behaviors, beyond the generally discussed cytotoxicity. We then examine the linkage of cellular behaviors and disease pathogenesis, and discuss the pertinent mechanisms.

Carbon Nanomaterials: Efficacy and Safety for Nanomedicine

Carbon nanomaterials, including fullerenes, carbon nanohorns, and carbon nanotubes, are increasingly being used in various fields owing to these materials’ unique, size-dependent functions and physicochemical properties. Recently, because of their high variability and stability, carbon nanomaterials have been explored as a novel tool for the delivery of therapeutic molecules including peptide and nucleic acid cancer drugs. However, insufficient information is available regarding the safety of carbon nanomaterials for human health, even though such information is vital for the development of safe and effective nanomedicine technologies. In this review, we discuss currently available information regarding the safety of carbon nanomaterials in nanomedicine applications, including information obtained from our own studies; and we discuss types of carbon nanomaterials that demonstrate particular promise for safe nanomedicine technologies.

Functionalized multilayered graphene platform for urea sensor

Multilayered graphene (MLG) is an interesting material for electrochemical sensing and biosensing because of its very large 2D electrical conductivity and large surface area. We propose a less toxic, reproducible, and easy method for producing functionalized multilayer graphene from multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in mass scale using only concentrated H(2)SO(4)/HNO(3). Electron microscopy results show the MLG formation, whereas FTIR and XPS data suggest its carboxylic and hydroxyl-functionalized nature. We utilize this functionalized MLG for the fabrication of a novel amperometric urea biosensor. This biosensor shows linearity of 10-100 mg dL(-1), sensitivity of 5.43 μA mg(-1) dL cm(-2), lower detection limit of 3.9 mg dL(-1), and response time of 10 s. Our results suggest that MLG is a promising material for electrochemical biosensing applications.

New perspectives for in vitro risk assessment of multiwalled carbon nanotubes: application of coculture and bioinformatics

Nanotechnology is a rapidly expanding field with wide application for industrial and medical use; therefore, understanding the toxicity of engineered nanomaterials is critical for their commercialization. While short-term in vivo studies have been performed to understand the toxicity profile of various nanomaterials, there is a current effort to shift toxicological testing from in vivo observational models to predictive and high-throughput in vitro models. However, conventional monoculture results of nanoparticle exposure are often disparate and not predictive of in vivo toxic effects. A coculture system of multiple cell types allows for cross-talk between cells and better mimics the in vivo environment. This review proposes that advanced coculture models, combined with integrated analysis of genome-wide in vivo and in vitro toxicogenomic data, may lead to development of predictive multigene expression-based models to better determine toxicity profiles of nanomaterials and consequent potential human health risk due to exposure to these compounds.

Carbon nanotube mass production: principles and processes

Our society requires new materials for a sustainable future, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are among the most important advanced materials. This Review describes the state-of-the-art of CNT synthesis, with a focus on their mass-production in industry. At the nanoscale, the production of CNTs involves the self-assembly of carbon atoms into a one-dimensional tubular structure. We describe how this synthesis can be achieved on the macroscopic scale in processes akin to the continuous tonne-scale mass production of chemical products in the modern chemical industry. Our overview includes discussions on processing methods for high-purity CNTs, and the handling of heat and mass transfer problems. Manufacturing strategies for agglomerated and aligned single-/multiwalled CNTs are used as examples of the engineering science of CNT production, which includes an understanding of their growth mechanism, agglomeration mechanism, reactor design, and process intensification. We aim to provide guidelines for the production and commercialization of CNTs. Although CNTs can now be produced on the tonne scale, knowledge of the growth mechanism at the atomic scale, the relationship between CNT structure and application, and scale-up of the production of CNTs with specific chirality are still inadequate. A multidisciplinary approach is a prerequisite for the sustainable development of the CNT industry.

Use of Saccharides as Solid-state Precursors for the Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes

Saccharides, ranging from simple table sugar (sucrose) to lactulose were successfully used as solid-state precursors for the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Dehydrated saccharide residues mixed with catalyst powders were subjected to pyrolysis at high temperatures (up to 1300°C) under flowing Argon atmosphere. Pyrolysis products were investigated using TEM, SEM, Raman spectroscopy and EDS. Images taken using the S/TEM and bright field mode of TEM showed the presence of helical multi-walled carbon nanotube (H-MWCNT) and regular MWCNT formation. More than two or three catalyst particles were observed to be present inside the hollow core of some of the nanotubes synthesized, suggesting a high level of capillary activity inside the tubes during synthesis.

Crystalline silicon nanotubes and their connections with gold nanowires in both linear and branched topologies

Silicon, being in the same group in the periodic table as carbon, plays a key role in modern semiconductor industry. However, unlike carbon nanotube (NT), progress remains relatively slow in silicon NT (SiNT) and SiNT-based heteroarchitectures, which would be the fundamental building blocks of various nanoscale circuits, devices, and systems. Here, we report the synthesis of linear and branched crystalline SiNTs via porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) self-catalyzed growth and postannealing, and the connection of crystalline SiNTs and gold nanowires (AuNWs) via a combinatorial process of electrodepositing AuNWs with predesired length and location in the channels of the AAO template and subsequent AAO self-catalyzed and postannealing growth of SiNTs in the remaining empty channels adjacent to the AuNWs. Using the approach, a large variety of two-segment AuNW/SiNT and three-segment SiNT/AuNW/SiNT heteronanostructures with both linear and branched topologies have been achieved, paving the way for the rational design and fabrication of SiNT-based nanocircuits, nanodevices, and multifunctional nanosystems in the future.

Advancement in carbon nanotubes: basics, biomedical applications and toxicity

Objectives

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted much attention by researchers worldwide in recent years for their small dimensions and unique architecture, and for having immense potential in nanomedicine as biocompatible and supportive substrates, as a novel tool for the delivery of therapeutic molecules including peptides, RNA and DNA, and also as sensors, actuators and composites.

Key findings

CNTs have been employed in the development of molecular electronic, composite materials and others due to their unique atomic structure, high surface area-to-volume ratio and excellent electronic, mechanical and thermal properties. Recently they have been exploited as novel nanocarriers in drug delivery systems and biomedical applications. Their larger inner volume as compared with the dimensions of the tube and easy immobilization of their outer surface with biocompatible materials make CNTs a superior nanomaterial for drug delivery. Literature reveals that CNTs are versatile carriers for controlled and targeted drug delivery, especially for cancer cells, because of their cell membrane penetrability.

Summary

This review enlightens the biomedical application of CNTs with special emphasis on utilization in controlled and targeted drug delivery, as a diagnostics tool and other possible uses in therapeutic systems. The review also focuses on the toxicity aspects of CNTs, and revealed that genotoxic potential, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of different types of CNTs must be explored and overcome by formulating safe biomaterial for drug delivery. The review also describes the regulatory aspects and clinical and market status of CNTs.

Mechanisms of single-walled carbon nanotube nucleation, growth, and healing determined using QM/MD methods

Since their discovery in the early 1990s, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have spawned previously unimaginable commercial and industrial technologies. Their versatility stems from their unique electronic, physical/chemical, and mechanical properties, which set them apart from traditional materials. Many researchers have investigated SWNT growth mechanisms in the years since their discovery. The most prevalent of these is the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism, which is based on experimental observations. Within the VLS mechanism, researchers assume that the formation of a SWNT starts with co-condensation of carbon and metal atoms from vapor to form liquid metal carbide. Once the liquid reaches supersaturation, the solid phase nanotubes begin to grow. The growth process is partitioned into three distinct stages: nucleation of a carbon "cap-precursor," "cap-to-tube" transformation, and continued SWNT growth. In recent years, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have come to the fore with respect to SWNT growth. MD simulations lead to spatial and temporal resolutions of these processes that are superior to those possible using current experimental techniques, and so provide valuable information regarding the growth process that researchers cannot obtain experimentally. In this Account, we review our own recent efforts to simulate SWNT nucleation, growth, and healing phenomena on transition-metal catalysts using quantum mechanical molecular dynamics (QM/MD) methods. In particular, we have validated each stage of the SWNT condensation mechanism using a self-consistent-charge density-functional tight-binding (SCC-DFTB) methodology. With respect to the nucleation of a SWNT cap-precursor (stage 1), we have shown that the presence of a transition-metal carbide particle is not a necessary prerequisite for SWNT nucleation, contrary to conventional experimental presumptions. The formation and coalescence of polyyne chains on the metal surface occur first, followed by the formation of the SWNT cap-precursor, "ring condensation", and the creation of an sp(2)-hybridized carbon structure. In our simulations, the nucleation process takes approximately 400 ps. This first step occurs over a much longer time scale than the second stage of SWNT condensation (approximately 50 ps). We therefore observe SWNT nucleation to be akin to the rate-limiting step of the SWNT formation process. In addition to the QM/MD simulation of various stages of SWNT nucleation, growth, and healing processes, we have determined the effects of temperature, catalyst composition, and catalyst size on the kinetics and mechanism of SWNT growth. With respect to temperature dependence, we observe a "sweet-spot" with respect to the efficiency of SWNT growth. In addition, Ni-catalyzed SWNT growth is observed to be 70-100% faster compared to Fe-catalyzed SWNT growth, depending on the catalyst particle size. We also observe a noticeable increase in SWNT growth rates using smaller catalyst particles. Finally, we review our recent QM/MD investigation of SWNT healing. In particular, we recount mechanisms by which adatom defects, monovacancy defects, and a "5-7 defect" are removed from a nascent SWNT. The effectiveness of these healing mechanisms depends on the rate at which carbon moieties are incorporated into the growing SWNT. Explicitly, we observe that healing is promoted using a slower carbon supply rate. From this rudimentary control of SWNT healing, we propose a route towards chirality-controlled SWNT growth.

Fabrication and characterization of graphitic carbon nanostructures with controllable size, shape, and position

The incorporation of carbon materials in micro- and nanoscale devices is being widely investigated due to the promise of enhanced functionality. Challenges in the positioning and addressability of carbon nanotubes provide the motivation for the development of new processes to produce nanoscale carbon materials. Here, the fabrication of conducting, nanometer-sized carbon structures using a combination of electron beam lithography (EBL) and carbonisation is reported. EBL is used to directly write predefined nanometer-sized patterns in a thin layer of negative resist in controllable locations. Careful heat treatment results in carbon nanostructures with the size, shape, and location originally defined by EBL. The pyrolysis process results in significant shrinkage of the structures in the vertical direction and minimal loss in the horizontal direction. Characterization of the carbonized material indicates a structure consisting of both amorphous and graphitized carbon with low levels of oxygen. The resistivity of the material is similar to other disordered carbon materials and the resistivity is maintained from the bulk to the nanoscale. This is demonstrated by fabricating a nanoscale structure with predictable resistance. The ability to fabricate these conductive structures with known dimensions and in predefined locations can be exploited for a number of applications. Their use as nanoband electrodes is also demonstrated.

Mechanisms of pulmonary toxicity and medical applications of carbon nanotubes: Two faces of Janus?

Nanotechnology is an emerging science involving manipulation of materials at the nanometer scale. There are several exciting prospects for the application of engineered nanomaterials in medicine. However, concerns over adverse and unanticipated effects on human health have also been raised. In fact, the same properties that make engineered nanomaterials attractive from a technological and biomedical perspective could also make these novel materials harmful to human health and the environment. Carbon nanotubes are cylinders of one or several coaxial graphite layer(s) with a diameter in the order of nanometers, and serve as an instructive example of the Janus-like properties of nanomaterials. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that carbon nanotubes and/or associated contaminants or catalytic materials that arise during the production process may induce oxidative stress and prominent pulmonary inflammation. Recent studies also suggest some similarities between the pathogenic properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and those of asbestos fibers. On the other hand, carbon nanotubes can be readily functionalized and several studies on the use of carbon nanotubes as versatile excipients for drug delivery and imaging of disease processes have been reported, suggesting that carbon nanotubes may have a place in the armamentarium for treatment and monitoring of cancer, infection, and other disease conditions. Nanomedicine is an emerging field that holds great promise; however, close attention to safety issues is required to ensure that the opportunities that carbon nanotubes and other engineered nanoparticles offer can be translated into feasible and safe constructs for the treatment of human disease.