Electrical conductors based on carbons have recently attracted a growing interest due to the prospect of replacing metals. Electrical conductors without metals could represent not only an alternative for traditional wiring, but also a step forward in the progress and advancing of technology.
In this perspective, the role played by the chemistry in particular by means of the molecular-level control and doping, is emphasized. This contribution elucidates most recent results in the field, and envisages new potential applications.
Due to the growing interests about new electrically conductive materials with superior characteristics than the conventional conductors, a detailed knowledge of the electrical properties of carbon-based materials is mandatory. Obviously, the electrical properties are not the only element of evaluation for a possible use of alternative electrical conductors.
