Carbon Nanotubes are a new form of Carbon, first identified in 1991 by Sumio Iijima of Nec, Japan, and formed from hexagonal arrays of carbon atoms.

The honeycomb-shaped walls of nanotubes may consist of either multiple layers of carbon atoms (multi wall nanotubes) or just a single layer (single layer nanotubes) .

They are so small that they can only be measured in nanometers. The diameter of this hollow cylindrical-stucture or tube may be 50,000 times thinner than a human hair and the length of millions of times greater that the diameter.

Carbon Nanotubes possess many unique and remarkable properties (chemical, physical, and mechanical), which make them desirable for many applications. The slender proportions of carbon nanotubes hide a staggering strength: it is estimated that they are 100 times stronger than steel at only one sixth of the weight - almost certainly the strongest fibres that will ever be made out of anything - strong enough even to build an elevator to space. In addition they conduct electricity better than copper and transmit heat better than diamond.

Enhancements in miniaturisation, speed and power consumption, size reduction of information processing devices, memory storage devices and flat displays for visualisation are currently being developed.

The most immediate application for nanotubes is in making strong, lightweight materials. It will be possible to build a car that is lighter than its human driver, yet strong enough to survive a collision with a tank.

Aircraft built with stronger and lighter materials will have longer life spans and will fly at higher temperatures, faster and more efficiently.

Nanotubes are being explored as receptacles - storage tanks - for hydrogen molecules to be used in the fuel cell that could power automobiles of the future. Hydrogen does not produce pollution or greenhouse emissions when burned and is considered to be the clean energy of the future.

Global Warming is of great concern to all nations. It is believed that Carbon Nanotubes will contribute to the development of an advanced method for collecting and storing the solar energy that falls upon the earth in large quantities to meet energy needs in 2050.

Carbon Nanotubes are sought after for their multiple uses in cutting-edge research projects. They are the most suitable material to nanotechnology research.

Molecular Nanotechnology is defined as the three-dimensional structural control of materials, processes and devices at the atomic scale.

It is said that Nanotechnology will lead to a fundamental breakthrough in the way materials, devices and systems are understood, designed and manufactured.

The scientific community considers Carbon Nanotubes as the building blocks of the 21st century technological revolution.

Many new applications of Carbon Nanotubes are constantly being discovered and many are yet to be discovered.