PRES 101 |
| Unprecedented progress has been achieved in our understanding of self-assembled carbon nanostructures, such as buckyballs and nanotubes, since their discovery. What started as a scientific curiosity, an all-carbon molecule with sixty atoms and a peculiar shape, gained momentum in the Science world, and eventually spawned off the new field of Nanotechnology. With a magic combination of scientific curiosity, a series of serendipitous discoveries, and long-term vision, the late Richard E. Smalley has provided strong inspiration to the field of carbon nanostructures and a whole generation of scientists. I will review some highlights along the success story of carbon nanostructures, as well as some misconceptions on the way. In our present understanding, self-assembling nanocarbons combine atomic perfection with unprecedented mechanical toughness, chemical and thermal resilience, high thermal conductivity, a capability to act as ballistic conductors or semiconductors, or even as molecular magnets. I will show how predictive computer simulations have guided us in out quest to understand the plethora of phenomena exhibited by carbon nanostructures [1].
[1] David Tomanek, Carbon-based nanotechnology on a supercomputer, Topical Review, J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 17, R413-R459 (2005). |
|
SWNTs From Synthesis to Application, From the Lab to the Fab: In Memory of Dr. Richard Smalley
8:30 AM-12:00 PM, Tuesday, 12 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Room 306, Oral
Presidential Event |