Allotropes of Carbon - Graphene and Fullerenes

graphene

A single layer of graphite

graphene use

because each of the atoms donates one of its electrons to a delocalised pool of electrons - conductor of electricity - useful in making electronics

Fullerenes

graphite easy to obtain from ground - scientists have started to make shapes with these strong tiny sheets (tubes, spheres)

fullerenes uses

scientists can form spheres around other molecules (drugs) so that it acts like a cage - can be used to deliver the drugs to certain areas of the body

fullerenes uses

they have large surface area : volume - used to make industrial catalysts (used to speed up chemical reactions)

nanotubes uses

used in nanotechnology (as it's very tiny) + electronics because of their ability to conduct electricity + strengthen materials due to very high length : diameter (very long and thin - can add strength to material without adding much weight)

Fullerenes

allotropes of carbon made by bending sheets of graphite into hollow structures (spheres, tubes)