ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter is written with the main goal of providing a trivial survey of the current nanocarbon research, which includes its status, long standing, and stretcher in material research and development. The main content has a take-home message for the readers to get motivated and excited about the versatility of carbon and appreciate its scope of operation. Particularly, carbon in its nano-format has a rich facet in molecular physics to offer dimensional effects and interesting properties that becomes, synergistically, prominent on adding functionality. By and large, this chapter is a compilation of the articles from scientific magazines, books, and the data available on the Internet! We begin our discussion with a general introduction to the subject, survey of carbon, and its wondrous world! Carbon, being an exceptional element in periodic table, has mesmerized researchers for the past several years. It will continue to offer surprises in future too! Carbon exists in all forms and formats that we encounter in our life! It exhibits remarkable versatility compared to other popular elements governing metallic, semi-conducting, and insulating properties. The molecular-level reasoning for such wonderful forms, including a brief account on their physical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties, is presented. Functionalization strategies and importance of doping are described followed by scope and future of nanocarbons. References are provided towards the end of the chapter, and this protocol is followed throughout the book.
