Graphene and Fullerenes

What is graphene?

A single layer of graphite, so is only one atom thick.

Does graphene conduct electricity?

Yes. It has delocalised electrons that can move through the graphene molecule carrying electrical charge. In future, will be used in electronics.

What sort of boiling and melting point does graphene have?

High boiling and melting points.

Why does graphene have a high melting and boiling point?

Because it has a large number of covalent bonds. These require a great deal of energy to break.

What do fullerenes have?

Hollow shapes.

What do fullerenes usually have?

Hexagonal rings of carbon atoms, however can also have rings of 5 or 7 carbon atoms.

What was the first fullerene to be discovered?

Buckminsterfullerene.

How many atoms does buckminsterfullerene contain?

60 carbon atoms.

What shape is buckminsterfullerene?

A hollow square.

How many carbon atoms form the rings in Buckminsterfullerene?

Either 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

What are the 3 main uses of fullerenes?

• To deliver drugs such as pharmaceuticals into the body.

• Used as lubricants in machines to reduce friction of moving parts.

• Used as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.

What are carbon nanotubes?

Fullerenes shaped into long cylinders with a relatively small diameter.

What sort of ratio do carbon nanotubes have?

A high length to diameter ratio.

How many carbon atoms form the rings in carbon nanotubes?

6 carbon atoms.

What sort of tensile strength do carbon nanotubes have?

High tensile strength - can apply a great deal of stretching force to a carbon nanotube before it breaks.

Do carbon nanotubes have delocalised electrons?

Yes. They are good conductors of electricity and of heat.

What are carbon nanotubes used for?

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