A carbon nanotube (CNT) is a nanoscale cylindrical tube formed from a single atomic layer of carbon atoms. CNTs are known to possess several unique characteristics, including high thermal and electrical conductivity, superior mechanical strength and chemical stability, as well as a high surface area. These characteristics, in addition to the fundamental advantages of being a carbon material, cause CNTs to be a favorable candidate for fuel cell applications. In this current assessment, past findings in relation to CNTs are summarized. Additionally, future prospects for microscopic study of CNTs are also presented. Copyright (C) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.