  In the last three decades, zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, and
two-dimensional carbon nanomaterials (i.e., fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and
graphene, respectively) have attracted significant attention from the
scientific community due to their unique electronic, optical, thermal,
mechanical, and chemical properties. While early work showed that these
properties could enable high performance in selected applications, issues
surrounding structural inhomogeneity and imprecise assembly have impeded robust
and reliable implementation of carbon nanomaterials in widespread technologies.
However, with recent advances in synthesis, sorting, and assembly techniques,
carbon nanomaterials are experiencing renewed interest as the basis of numerous
scalable technologies. Here, we present an extensive review of carbon
nanomaterials in electronic, optoelectronic, photovoltaic, and sensing devices
with a particular focus on the latest examples based on the highest purity
samples. Specific attention is devoted to each class of carbon nanomaterial,
thereby allowing comparative analysis of the suitability of fullerenes, carbon
nanotubes, and graphene for each application area. In this manner, this article
will provide guidance to future application developers and also articulate the
remaining research challenges confronting this field.
