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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 August 2012
We revisit the polymorphism of carbon along two directions. First, we discover novel polymorphs in the vicinity of graphite, with outstanding optical and mechanical properties. Using numerical methods and graph-theoretical tools, we find as many as 4 novel superhard and transparent polymorphs, with great technological potential. Second, scaling up a model of rod packing to carbon nanotube (CNT) scaffoldings, we discover that such complex assemblies of CNTs are outstanding adsorbers of hydrogen, capable of reaching the DOE target (~6.0 wt% at ambient conditions). Along this line, we highlight novel paradigms for revisiting carbon, in view of remarkable qualities and superior properties.