Carbon nanotubes play a fundamental role in the rapidly developing field of nanoscience and nanotechnology because of their unique properties and high potential for applications. In this article, the different synthesis methods of carbon nanotubes (both multi-walled and single-walled) are reviewed. From the industrial point of view, the chemical vapor deposition method has shown advantages over laser vaporization and electric arc discharge methods. This article also presents recent work in the controlled synthesis of carbon nanotubes with ordered architectures. Special carbon nanotube configurations, such as nanocoils, nanohorns, bamboo-shaped and carbon cylinder made up from carbon nanotubes are also discussed.

The results of these experiments clearly demonstrate that f-CNT-AmB has significantly greater antileishmanial efficacy than AmB and had no significant cytotoxic effects.

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In the present study, we report the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a new natural precursor: castor oil. The CNTs were synthesized by spray pyrolysis of castor oil-ferrocene solution at 850°C under an Ar atmosphere. We also report the synthesis of carbon nitrogen (C-N) nanotubes using castor oilferrocene-ammonia precursor. The as-grown CNTs and C-N nanotubes were characterized through scanning and transmission electron microscopic techniques. Graphitic nanofibres (GNFs) were synthesized by thermal decomposition of acetylene (C 2 H 2 ) gas using Ni catalyst at 600°C. As-grown GNFs reveal both planar and helical morphology. We have investigated the structural and electrical properties of multi-walled CNTs (MWNTs)-polymer (polyacrylamide (PAM)) composites. The MWNTs-PAM composites were prepared using as purified, with ball milling and functionalized MWNTs by solution cast technique and characterized through SEM. A comparative study has been made on the electrical property of these MWNTs-PAM composites with different MWNTs loadings. It is shown that the ball milling and functionalization of MWNTs improves the dispersion of MWNTs into the polymer matrix. Enhanced electrical conductivity was observed for the MWNTs-PAM composites. Graphene samples were prepared by thermal exfoliation of graphite oxide. XRD analysis confirms the formation of graphene.

We have investigated the structural, electrical and mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)–polyethylene oxide (PEO) composites. Composites with different wt% (between 0 and 50 wt% of MWNTs) were prepared and characterized by the scanning electron microscopic technique. Enhanced electrical conductivity and mechanical strength were observed for the MWNT–PEO composites. The conductivity measurements on the MWNT–PEO composite films with highest concentration of MWNTs (∼50 wt%) showed an increase of eight orders (∼7.5 × 10−8 to 6.52 S cm−1) of magnitude in conductivity from bare PEO film. The temperature dependence of the conductivity for MWNT (∼50 wt%)–PEO composite showed predominantly semiconducting behaviour. The elastic modulus and tensile strength of an MWNT (∼50 wt%)–PEO film were increased by about five- and tenfold respectively, as compared to the corresponding values for a PEO film.