Mechanisms of Electrical Conductivity in Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene

Abstract

There is enormous interest in carbon nanomaterials due to their exceptional physical properties, from the perspective of science and engineering of materials applied to the electronics industry. Significant progress has been made towards understanding the mechanisms of electrical conductivity of carbon nanotubes and graphene. However, scientists around the world continue studying these mechanisms to exploit them fully in different electronic applications with a high technological impact. This chapter discusses the mechanisms of electrical conductivity of both nanomaterials, analyzes the present implications, and projects its importance for future generations of electronic devices. In particular, it is important to note that different mechanisms may be identified when these nanomaterials are used individually, when they are incorporated as fillers in composite materials or hybrid materials, or even when they are doped or functionalized. Finally, other electrical variables with important role in electrical conductivity of these materials are also explored.