Progresses of in situ TEM studies of graphene and carbon nanotubes

Carbon-based advanced nanomaterials are important for the devices of next generation, such as in field effect transistors, sensors, nanoelectronics, nanocomposites and flexible displays. In recent years, one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and two-dimensional graphene have become new members of the carbon family. They are ideal model materials for low-dimensional sciences, and are regarded as the key materials for future nanoscience and nanotechnology. Although CNTs and graphene have been employed in many nanotechnology application including interconnections, nanosensors, medicals and so on, the detail information about these nanomaterials still need to be answered before it can be fully utilized in various applications. This fundamental information will be significant to control the CNTs and graphene growth, as well as knowledge and explanation about their properties in desired applications. In this review, recent progress in CNTs and graphene research will be introduced including the controllable synthesis, proposed growth mechanism, CNTs/graphene-based electronic devices and in situ TEM investigations.