There is continual scientific interest in graphene because of its potential applications in a variety of technologies. This book introduces the structure, properties, synthesis, and applications of graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The volume has 12 chapters and three appendices.
The first chapter introduces the structure of graphite, graphene, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Chapter 2 describes interatomic bonds in carbon-based materials using molecular orbital theory. Hybridized atomic orbitals, σ bonds, and π bonds are used to explain bond lengths, bond energy, and geometry of C–C bonds in different materials. Chapter 3 applies tight-binding theory to explain the electronic properties of graphene. This leads to a discussion of the quantum Hall effect in graphene in chapter 4. Chapter 5 presents the electronic dispersion relation of SWCNTs, semiconducting or metallic nature of a given SWCNT, and curvature effects. Chapter 6 introduces acoustic and optical phonons in graphene and SWCNTs, and chapter 7 covers Raman spectra of graphite, diamond, graphene, and SWCNTs. The mathematical treatment of diffraction using the Laue method is discussed in chapter 8, along with a brief overview of microscopy techniques used to characterize graphene and CNTs. Chapter 9 presents several synthesis methods, such as mechanical exfoliation, liquid-phase exfoliation, epitaxial growth, and variants of chemical vapor deposition. Chapter 10 focuses on thermal and mechanical properties of graphene and SWCNTs. This is followed by a discussion of chemical modification of graphene, mainly hydrogenation and fluorination of graphene, in chapter 11. Finally, chapter 12 presents applications of CNTs and graphene in electronic devices, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. Biocompatibility issues are also presented. A set of three appendices deal with Raman scattering, tight-binding theory, and x-ray diffraction.
While there is a rich body of literature on the properties of CNTs and graphene-based materials, this volume is intended to introduce the beginner to fundamental concepts. The book is well written and is at a level accessible to undergraduate students. The text is supported by illustrations, tables, and micrographs. It lacks a list of exercises, although a manual of homework problems and solutions is available from the publisher. There is a sizable list of references at the end of each chapter and an excellent bibliography at the end of the book.
The organization of the chapters is a bit haphazard. For instance, synthesis is buried between characterization and mechanical properties, which is followed by chemical modification. Moreover, there is no discussion of modeling and simulation, which have made key contributions to our understanding of these materials. The authors have also avoided significant discussion of graphene oxide, which has tremendous potential in selective separation and energy technologies. Overall, this volume serves as a good reference for the beginner interested in pursuing research in graphene and related materials.
Reviewer: Ram Devanathan is Technical Group Manager of Reactor Materials and Mechanical Design, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USA.
