4.2.3.3 - Graphene and fullerenes

What is graphene?

Graphene is a single layer of graphite

Otherwise carbon atoms joined together in hexagons

In what are graphene useful due to their properties?

In electronics and composites.

How thick are these graphene layers?

These layers are only one atom thick

Making graphene a two-dimensional substance

Describe the properties of graphene that make it useful as composite?

Graphenes network of strong covalent bonds make it very strong - while being very light

This allows graphene to be added to composite materials to improve their strength without adding a lot of weight

Describe the property of graphene that allows it to be used in electronics.

Like graphite, graphene also contains delocalised electrons that can conduct electricity through the whole structure - meaning it can be used in electronics

What are fullerenes?

Fullerenes are molecules of carbon atoms with hollow shapes.

E.g. closed tubes or hollow balls

What is the structure of fullerenes?

The structure of fullerenes is mostly based on hexagonal rings of carbon atoms, but they may also contain rings with five or seven carbon atoms. (Pentagons or heptagons)

What is the name of the first fullerene to be discovered?

Buckminsterfullerene

What is the formula and shape of Buckminsterfullerene?

C60

Has a spherical shape - hollow sphere

What are the three maim uses of fullerenes?

• Transporting substances in the body

• Industrial catalysts

• Lubricants

How can fullerenes be used to transport substances in the body?

They can cage other molecules in their hollow structures

E.g. allowing them to deliver drugs to certain parts of the body

What property makes fullerenes good industrial catalysts?

Have a huge surface area to volume ration

As then individual catalyst molecules can be attached to the fullerene

What are carbon nanotubes?

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

What do carbon nanotubes properties make them useful for?

Their properties make them useful for:

• nanotechnology

• electronics

• materials(e.g. strengthening materials without adding too much weight)

Can carbon nanotubes conduct electricity?

Yes - and thermal energy

What type of strength is high in carbon nanotubes?

High tensile strength

Don’t break when they’re stretched