Chemistry - 3. Nanotubes, Fullerenes and Graphene

Describe the general structure of nanotubes

• hollow cylindrical fullerenes based on hexagonal rings of carbon atoms

• each carbon atom forms strong covalent bonds with 3 other atoms

Why do nanotubes have a high melting point?

why do nano tubes have a high tensile strength?

• Each carbon atom forms strong covalent bonds with 3 other carbon atoms

• Giant covalent structure

• Lots of energy needed to overcome these bonds

Why are nanotubes good thermal and electrical conductors?

• One electron from each carbon atom is delocalised

• the delocalised electrons can move throughout the structure

Why are nanotubes slippery?

• nanotubes are cylindrical

• so can roll over each other

Describe the general structure of buckminsterfullerenes

• hollow spherical fullerenes made up of 60 carbon atoms

• each atom forms strong covalent bonds with 3 other atoms

Why do buckminsterfullerenes have a low melting point

• weak intermolecular forces between molecules

• easily overcome, so little energy is required

Why are buckminsterfullerenes slippery?

• Buckminsterfullerenes are spherical

• so can roll over each other

Describe the structure of graphene

• single layer of graphite

• Each carbon atom forms strong covalent bonds with 3 other carbon atoms

• Hexagonal rings of carbon atoms

Why does graphene have a high melting point?

Why does graphene have high tensile strength/is strong?

• Each carbon atom forms strong covalent bonds with 3 other carbon atoms

• Giant covalent structure

• Lots of energy needed to overcome these bonds

Why is graphene a good electrical conductor?

• One electron from each carbon atom is delocalised

• The delocalised electrons can move throughout the structure