Fullerenes

What are Fullerenes

Fullerenes are molecules of carbon atoms with hollow shapes.

How are fullerenes arranged

The structure of fullerenes is based on hexagonal rings of carbon atoms but they may also contain rings with five or seven carbon atoms.

What was the first fullerene to be discovered

Buckminsterfullerene(c60)

How much carbon atoms does Buckminsterfullerene contain

60

How is Buckminsterfullerene arranged

In a hollow sphere.

-The carbon atoms form rings with either 6 carbon atoms or with five

What are the uses of Fullerenes

-Used to deliver drugs such as pharmaceuticals into the body as they can cage other molecules which is then trapped inside

-Great industrial catalyst as it has a huge surface area

-Can be used as lubricants for machines to reduce direction between moving sorts

What can Fullerenes form

Carbon nanotubes

What are Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical fullerenes with very high length to diameter ratios.

What are the properties of Carbon Nanotubes

-High tensile strength which means that we can apply a great deal of strengthens force to a carbon nanotube before it breaks

-Good conductor of electricity and heat as they have delocalised electrons

What are the uses of Carbon nanotubes

To reinforce materials without adding weight for example tennis rackets

-Used for electronics

What is Nanotechnology

Technology that uses very small particles such as nanotubes