Symposium C, "Fundamentals of Low-Dimensional Carbon Nanomaterials," was held Nov. 29-Dec. 3 at the 2010 MRS Fall Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. This resultant proceedings volume includes topics such as growth techniques for CNTs and graphene, structural characterization, novel properties, and interface & surface structures. Low-dimensional carbon nanostructures exhibit a rich structural diversity from zero-dimensional C60, one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and two-dimensional graphene and graphite oxides. These low-dimensional carbon nanostructures are at the forefront of materials science and provide a platform for understanding the growth mechanisms and properties of nanostructures in general. They exhibit novel properties with endless potential applications from high-speed electronics to high-performance composites. Although low-dimensional carbon nanomaterials have attracted great interest in the research community, the applications and commercialization of graphene and CNTs have, to date, not been as successful as anticipated. The need for significant improvements in material quality and structural uniformity exists.

Building on the success of its predecessor, Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis, Structure, Properties and Applications, this second volume focuses on those areas that have grown rapidly in the past few years. Contributing authors reflect the multidisciplinary nature of the book and are all leaders in their particular areas of research. Among the many topics they cover are graphene and other carbon-like and tube-like materials, which are likely to affect and influence developments in nanotubes within the next five years. Extensive use of illustrations enables you to better understand and visualize key concepts and processes.

This volume is a tribute to the career of Prof. Mildred Dresselhaus. It focuses on the optical properties and spectroscopy of single-wall carbon nanotubes. It contains chapters on diverse experimental and theoretical aspects of the field, written by internationally recognized experts. The volume serves as an important resource for researchers and students interested in carbon nanotubes.