Work

Carbon nanotubes for spintronics: Structural engineering, spin manipulation, and hybrid device opportunities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as promising building blocks for spintronic devices owing to their unique one-dimensional electronic structures, high carrier mobility, weak spin-orbit coupling (SOC), and low hyperfine interaction, which enable long spin diffusion lengths and efficient spin transport. However, translating these intrinsic advantages into practical spintronic technologies remains challenging due to limitations in spin injection efficiency, interface engineering, structural control, and room-temperature operation. Here, we provide a comprehensive and critical overview of recent advances in CNT-based spintronics, focusing on how CNT structures and engineering strategies collectively determine spin-dependent functionality. We first discuss how the structural parameters of CNTs, including chirality, dimensionality, defects, and synthesis methods, influence spin transport properties. We then summarize major approaches for manipulating CNT spin states: (i) coherent spin transport and spin injection in CNT channels; (ii) magnetic and hybrid engineering of CNTs; and (iii) spin polarization generated without a ferromagnetic injector. Although several previous reviews have summarized carbon-based spintronics and CNT electronic applications, a systematic understanding of how the intrinsic properties of CNTs and external engineering strategies collectively determine spin functionality remains lacking. Beyond summarizing representative demonstrations, we critically compare different approaches for spin injection, manipulation, and polarization, and distinguish interface-dominated losses from intrinsic CNT relaxation mechanisms. Finally, we discuss emerging CNT-based hybrid platforms toward scalable and room-temperature spintronic technologies.

Source: Giant

DOI: 10.1016/j.giant.2026.100419

Authors: Runqiu Tian, Yuhang Li, Jia Si, Zichen Zhang, Shuyuan Shi

Institutions: Beihang University, Peking University

Language: English

Topic: Quantum and electron transport phenomena

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,890

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing Nova Program