Thesis advisor: Lawrence T. Scott / Carbon nanotubes are theorized to possess many extraordinary properties. To a certain extent, these properties have been demonstrated using the products of current nanotube growth technologies; however, the specific characteristics of distinct nanotube topographies remain untapped on the industrial scale. Carbon vaporization and “flame” methods produce mixtures of various nanotube chiralities and diameters. Although progress has been made, separation techniques are limited. Currently, organic synthesis and subsequent elongation of a select hydrocarbon template is the only approach that promises significant access to specific nanotube topographies without the need for separation. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2008. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.