▎ 摘　　要

After a short review of carbon nanotube characteristics, some of the potential real-world uses of these novel materials are presented within the three domains indicated in the title. Some of the possible areas of application which are discussed include gas storage and sensing, quantum sieving, nanometric test tubes and formation of 1 Delta wires with interesting magnetic, electrical or superconducting properties, catalysis, chemical force microscopy, composite materials for mechanical, electrical or device-related purposes.