Carbon Allotropes and Composites

14Importance and Contribution of Carbon Allotropes in a Green and Sustainable Environment

Ajay K. Singh

Department of Applied Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee/Saharanpur, India

Abstract

Increased industrialization, construction activity, etc. are leading to deforestation, pollution, the rise of the earth’s temperature due to the depletion of the ozone layer and greenhouse effect causing snow to melt and rising water levels in seas, thus enhancing chances of the flood, the disappearance of flora and fauna on our planet. Industrialization is responsible for increased events of corrosion loss of metals e.g., steel, brass etc. causing strain on natural resources e.g., ores thus affecting their sustainability. It may affect industrial operations if steps are not taken to control metal corrosion. For this purpose, the use of corrosion inhibitors is prevalent due to their cost effectiveness, retrofitting their application easily. Conventional inhibitors, hitherto used are good but are toxic. Recent Government regulations mandate use of green technology to avoid toxication and its ill effects. This initiated search for green inhibitors about two decades ago. Advancement in nanotechnology has seen the synthesis of carbon allotropes namely C₆₀ fullerenes, graphene and carbon nanotubes which are more efficient inhibitors and non-toxic in nature. They interact strongly with metallic surfaces to provide holiday-free coats with polymers. They thus show better ...