2.8 - graphene & fullerenes

what is graphene?

a sheet of carbon atoms joined together in hexagons one atom thick,

does graphene conduct electricity?

yes

what are fullerenes?

molecules of carbon shaped like closed tubes or hollow balls (spheres)

what are the shape carbon atoms in fullerenes are arranged in?

usually hexagons but can be pentagons or heptagons

what can fullerenes be used for?

'cage' other molecules. the structure forms around another atom or molecule so it is trapped inside. this could be used to deliver drugs into the body

why do fullerenes make such good industrial catalysts?

they have a large surface area

what do fullerenes form?

nanotubes which conduct electricity and thermal energy

what do nanotubes have?

high tensile strength (don't break when stretched)

What is nanotechnology?

technology involving nanotubes - used in electricity or to strengthen materials without adding much weight. eg. tennis racket frames