Abstract
Development of carbon materials was divided into three periods; down to 1960 classic carbons were mostly studied and produced, in 1960-1985 various new carbon materials were developed and from 1985 to now fullerenes and carbon nanotubes attracted attentions. Features of each period were discussed. Different classifications of carbon materials, such as graphitizing and non-graphitizing carbons, classic and new carbons, etc., were also summarized. Based on these discussions, it was proposed that a novel classification of carbon materials, that is, nanocarbons, has to consist of not only nano-sized materials, such as fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, but also nano-structured materials, such as well-controlled porous carbons and boron-doped carbons.
