Graphene vs. Carbon Nanotubes for electronic conductivity.
| Property | Graphene | Carbon Nanotubes |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. | Cylindrical nanostructures composed of rolled graphene sheets. |
| Conductivity | Exceptionally high electronic conductivity due to the mobility of charge carriers at room temperature. | High, but typically lower than graphene. Conductivity varies depending on the chirality and diameter. |
| Band Gap | Zero band gap, behaves as a semimetal. | Can vary from metallic to semiconducting depending on the chirality. |
| Current Carrying Capacity | Can carry more current than copper, making it excellent for high-frequency electronics. | Lower current capacity than graphene but still significantly higher than traditional materials. |
| Thermal Conductivity | Highest among known materials, beneficial for heat dissipation in electronic devices. | Very high, but generally lower than graphene, still advantageous for thermal management. |
| Mechanical Strength | Extremely strong, over 100 times stronger than steel by weight. | High tensile strength, but the strength can vary based on structural defects. |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible, can be bent without damaging conductive properties. | Flexible to an extent but can fracture under certain conditions. |
| Transparency | Almost completely transparent, offers potential for transparent electronics. | Generally opaque, limiting its use in applications requiring transparency. |
| Production Cost | Currently high, but expected to decrease as production methods improve. | Generally lower than graphene, but cost-effective production is still a challenge. |
| Application Examples | High-frequency RF electronics, flexible displays, advanced sensors. | Field-effect transistors, conductive composites, energy storage devices. |