Abstract :
Carbon is the most versatile element in the periodic table. Due to its ability to form both sp3, sp2, and sp hybrids and stable multiple pπ&z.sbnd;pπ bonds, carbon can build up 3-, 2-, 1-, and 0-dimensionally structured substances with a broad variety of physical and chemical properties. In the last decade diamond films, active carbons, carbon fibres, and carbon-carbon composites were extensively studied. The discovery of C60 opened up the world of spherical molecular carbon allotropes and gave rise to the development of diverse new materials comprising ultra-hard carbons as well as superconductors. In parallel, the discovery of the carbon nanotubes enabled the synthesis of new absorbents, catalysts and electron emitters. Several new carbon phases, like rectangular diamond or amorphous tetrahedral carbon, are discussed for special applications.
