GRAPHENE & FULLERENES

What is graphene

Single layer of graphite

What are allotropes

Different structural forms of the same element in the same physical state

Why is graphene so hard

Multiple repeating hexagons of carbon being bonded to 3 others

Why can graphene conduct electricity

One carbon being bonded to 3 others leaves one delocalised electron that can carry this charge

What are fullerenes

molecules of carbon atoms with hollow shapes

What are some uses of fullerenes

Drugs, industrial catalysts, nanotechnology, electronics

How is fullerene used in drugs

Can form spheres around other molecules to act as a cage and deliver drugs to certain areas of the body

Why are fullerenes used as industrial catalysts

They have a large surface area: volume ratio

What are the uses of fullerene tubes

So tiny = Nanotechnology
Conduct electricity = electronics
Very long and thin = Strengthen materials without adding lots of weight

What was the very first fullerene made

Buckminsterfullerene

What is the shape of buckminsterfullerene

Spherical shape

How many carbon atoms does Buckminsterfullerene have

60 Carbon Atoms

What is nanotechnology used in

Medicine, Batteries, Food and fashion

What makes carbon nanotubes useful in tennis rackets

High strength to weight ratio, they can frame the tennis racket stronger without adding much weight