This volume is devoted to mostly to nanotubes, unique synthetic nanoscale
quantum systems whose physical properties are often singular (i.e.
record-setting). Nanotubes can be formed from a myriad of atomic or molecular
species, the only requirement apparently being that the host material or wall
fabric be configurable as a layered or sheet-like structure. Nanotubes with
sp2-bonded atoms such as carbon, or boron together with nitrogen, are the
champions of extreme mechanical strength, electrical response (either highly
conducting or highly insulating), and thermal conductance. Carbon nanotubes can
be easily produced by a variety of synthesis techniques, and for this reason
they are the most studied nanotubes, both experimentally and