Carbon nanotube vs carbon nanofiber

[TechnoPagan]

I understand what a carbon nanotube is. I have some experience with geodesic domes and the way those shapes can be changed. I keep hearing more and more about carbon nanofibers but I've never seen it explained. Is a carbon nanofiber a bundle of nanotubes, chains of carbon particles or something different.

Thanks

 

[ScannerFriend]

I think carbon nanofibers are actually carbon nanontubes with imperfect cylindricity.

 

[uby]

perhaps my impression is incorrect, but, to me, a carbon nanotube can have atomic-scale dimensions (diameters up to, say a few nanometers) while a nanofiber is typically larger (diameters in the tens to hundreds of nanometers).

 

[matchinu]

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs), vapor grown carbon fibers (VGCFs), or vapor grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNFs) are cylindric nanostructures with graphene layers arranged as stacked cones, cups or plates.

Carbon nanofibers with graphene layers wrapped into perfect cylinders are called carbon nanotubes.

First sentancte of the wikipedia article on Carbon Nanofiber

 

[alphy]

for reaching out and expressing your curiosity about carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. I can provide some information to help clarify the differences between these two materials.

First, let's start with carbon nanotubes. These are cylindrical structures made of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern. They are incredibly strong and have unique properties such as high electrical and thermal conductivity. They can also be manipulated to have different shapes and structures, similar to geodesic domes.

On the other hand, carbon nanofibers are not a bundle of nanotubes, but rather a different form of carbon material. They are made up of long, thin fibers of carbon, hence the name. These fibers are typically smaller in diameter than a human hair and can be produced in various forms such as sheets, mats, or yarns.

So, to answer your question, carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes are not the same thing. While they are both made of carbon, they have different structures and properties. Carbon nanofibers are often used in applications where high strength and lightweight materials are needed, such as in aerospace and automotive industries. On the other hand, carbon nanotubes have a wider range of potential uses, including in electronics, medicine, and energy storage.

I hope this helps clarify the difference between these two materials. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I am always happy to share my knowledge and expertise.