Topological and SP3 defect structures in nanotubes Original Research Article

Evidence is accumulating that carbon nanotubes are rarely as perfect as they were once thought to be. Possible defect structures can be classified into three groups: topological, rehybridization, and incomplete bonding defects. The presence and significance of these defects in carbon nanotubes are discussed. It is clear that some nanotube properties, such as their conductivity and band gap, will be strongly affected by such defects and that the interpretation of experimental data must be done with great caution.