C2 - Fullerenes And Graphene

What is graphene?

A single layer of graphite.

How thick is graphene?

Only one atom thick.

Why is graphene a good conductor of electricity?

Because it has delocalised electrons that can move and carry charge.

Why does graphene have a high melting and boiling point?

Because it has many strong covalent bonds that require lots of energy to break.

Why is graphene extremely strong?

Because of its large number of strong covalent bonds.

What future use could graphene have?

In electronics and making new strong materials.

What are fullerenes?

hollow spheres and tubes made up of carbon atoms covalently bonded to each other

What shapes of carbon rings can fullerenes contain?

Usually hexagons, but also pentagons or heptagons (5 or 7 carbon atoms).

What was the first fullerene discovered?

Buckminsterfullerene (C60).

How many carbon atoms does Buckminsterfullerene contain?

60 carbon atoms.

What is the shape of Buckminsterfullerene?

A hollow sphere made of hexagons and pentagons.

What are three uses of fullerenes?

Delivering drugs into the body, lubricants in machines, and catalysts.

What are carbon nanotubes?

Fullerenes shaped into long hollow cylinders.

What is special about the dimensions of carbon nanotubes?

They have a very high length-to-diameter ratio.

What type of rings form carbon nanotubes?

Hexagonal rings of carbon atoms.

What property of carbon nanotubes gives them strength?

High tensile strength (can be stretched without breaking).

Why are carbon nanotubes good conductors of electricity?

Because they contain delocalised electrons.

Are carbon nanotubes good conductors of heat?

Yes, they conduct heat well.

What is one use of carbon nanotubes?

Reinforcing materials, e.g. in high-end tennis rackets.

Summary of graphene properties

One atom thick, strong, high melting/boiling point, good conductor of electricity, useful for electronics.

Summary of fullerene properties

Hollow carbon molecules, can form spheres or tubes, useful for drug delivery, lubricants, catalysts, and reinforcing materials.