What Role Does sp2 Hybridization Play in Carbon Nanotubes?
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are essentially graphene sheets rolled into a cylindrical shape. The sp2 hybridization in carbon nanotubes leads to the formation of a similar π-bond network along the tube's length, which provides exceptional electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. The specific arrangement of sp2 hybridized carbon atoms in CNTs also allows them to exhibit unique quantum mechanical properties, making them highly valuable for applications in nanoelectronics and nanomedicine.