Progress in the preparation of nanocarbon materials

Carbon is one of the most versatile elements in the periodic table having an extremely light atomic mass, an ability to form exceptionally strong covalent bonds, and to bond through multiple hybridization modes to create complex carbon networks. Carbon materials have outstanding mechanical, thermal, optical, and electrical properties, with potential use in fields such as sensors and ultralight mechanics, and applications requiring good electrical and thermal conductivities. The structural characteristics and preparation strategies for nanocarbon materials are reviewed, and their suitability for different applications is discussed.