Carbon nanotubes and heterogeneous catalysis Nanotubes de carbone et catalyse hétérogène

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes are a class of materials that currently gather much interest, like graphene with which they share many characteristics. This article offers a general introduction to the allotropes of carbon followed by a description of the structural characteristics, the properties (mechanical, electronic, etc.), and the different techniques for the functionalization of carbon nanotubes. Their applications are then discussed with particular attention paid to their use as support for heterogeneous catalysis. To complete the picture, the reader may also refer to a box on the problems related to the potential toxicity of these nanomaterials that some did not hesitate to compare to asbestos fibers, raising fears that are likely not to be fully justified.