1.6 - Graphenes, Fullerenes and Nanotubes

What type of structures are graphenes, fullerenes and nanotubes?

giant covalent structures

What is graphene?

single sheet of hexagonal rings of carbon atoms

How thick is grphene?

only one atom thick

Wht is graphene a single layer of?

graphite

What dimenson is graphene?

the worlds first 2d material

What are the properties of graphene?

• excellent thermal and electrical conductor

• very low density (lightweight)

• flexible

• transparent

• most reactive form of carbon

• very strong for its mass (over 200x stronger than steel)

What are the potential uses of graphene

• Quicker and more powerful computer chips, electric circuits and solar cells

• Flexible and durable electronic display screens

What is an allotrope?

a new form of an element

When was Buckminister Fullerene discovered?

1985

Have other fullerenes been discovered since?

Yes

What are the names of other fullerenes that have been made?

C₇₀, C₇₆ and C₈₄

What are fullerenes?

molecules of carbon atoms joined together to make hollow cages of different shapes, usually hexagonal rings of carbons atoms but can be pentagonal or heptgonal

What are Buckminister Fullerenes made of?

molecules of C₆₀

What bonds are between each carbon atom in a Buckminister Fullerene?

strong covalent bonds

How is each fullerene molecule attracter to each other?

weak intermolecular forces

How big is the fullerene molecule?

1nm in diameter

What are the uses of fullerene?

• Used as cages to trap smaller molecules inside them.

• Used to carry drug molecules around the body

• Used as lubricants - Fullerenes are spherical with weak intermolecular forces so can roll over each other

What are nanotubes?

hollow, cylindrical tubws of carbon atoms

What is the structure of nanotubes?

giant covalent strucutre where each carbon atom forms 3 bonds to other carbon atoms

What are the properties of nanotubes?

• very strong/high tensile strength

• very good electrical and thermal conductors

Why are nanotubes good conductors?

Each C atom has one electron not involved in bonding / that becomes delocalised which can move freely through the structure, carrying charge

What are the uses of nanotubes?

• can be used to reinforce materials like tennis rackents due to their strength

• can be used as catalysts because they have a large surface area to volume ratio