nanotube
NAN-oh-toob
/ˈnænoʊtuːb/
A tubular molecule composed of a large number of carbon atoms.
Usually refers to Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), which have extraordinary strength and electrical properties.
The story behind the word. A straightforward compound of 'nano-' and 'tube'. The term became standard after Sumio Iijima published his findings on helical microtubules of graphitic carbon in 1991.
Word relationships
- buckytube: An older, less common name related to buckminsterfullerene.
Commonly confused with
- nanowire: A nanowire is a solid rod, while a nanotube is hollow.
Collocations
- carbon nanotube
- multi-walled nanotube
- single-walled nanotube
Example sentences
- "The preparation of carbon nanotubes was carried out by a carbon-arc discharge method similar to that used for fullerene synthesis." Sumio Iijima's discovery paper in Nature. (Nature (1991))
- "Engineers are testing nanotube-reinforced composites to create lighter and stronger aircraft wings." Describing aerospace materials.
Memory hook
A 'Nanotube' is a 'Nano' (tiny) 'Tube' that's stronger than steel. Molecular straw.
When not to use
Do not use for any small tube; it must be a molecular-scale structure.
Fun facts
- Carbon nanotubes are about 100 times stronger than steel at one-sixth the weight.
Explore more words
Nanomaterial, Molecule, Ion, Quantum, catheter, nanomedicine
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