Fullerenes and Carbon Nanotubes

Fullerenes and Carbon Nanotubes

Overview of Carbon Structures

• Graphene and fullerenes are forms of carbon, distinct from diamond and graphite.

• Graphene: A single layer of graphite, known as the thinnest material, only one atom thick.

• Fullerenes: Molecules with hollow shapes, composed of carbon atoms in hexagonal arrangements, sometimes including pentagonal or heptagonal rings.

Properties of Graphene

• Composed of strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms.

• High melting point and extremely strong, making it a valuable material in industries.

• Notable for conducting electricity well due to delocalised electrons that can move freely across its surface.

• Applications:

  • Aerospace industry

  • Construction materials

  • Mobile devices

Carbon Nanotubes

• Formed by rolling a layer of graphene into a cylinder.

• Extremely high length-to-diameter ratios with lengths of several millimetres and widths of a few nanometres.

• Mechanical properties:

  • High tensile strength, strong under tension, resist stretching.

  • Conduct electricity due to the presence of delocalised electrons.

• Applications:

  • Nanotechnology

  • Electronics

  • Specialized materials

Fullerenes Explained

• Fullerenes consist of carbon atoms in hollow shapes based on hexagonal rings.

• Two prominent examples include:

  • Buckminsterfullerene (C60): The first discovered fullerene made up of 60 carbon atoms.

  • Spherical shape with strong covalent bonds.

  • Exhibits weak intermolecular forces, resulting in low melting point and slippery nature.

  • Potential uses include hydrogen storage for fuel cell vehicles and reducing bacterial growth in water systems.

Uses of Nanotubes

• Conduct electricity, suitable for tiny electrical circuits in computer chips and electronic devices.

• Can function as semiconductors or 'miniature wires' in electrical circuits.

• Serve as components in industrial catalysts, enhancing reaction speed and efficiency due to large surface area.

• Carbon nanotube fibres are exceptionally strong, utilized in composite materials that reinforce graphite and plastics:

  • Applications include sports equipment (e.g., tennis rackets, golf clubs), significantly strengthening the equipment without adding significant weight.

  • Nanotubes can be stronger than steel (16 times lighter than steel) while maintaining high tensile strength.

• Future possibilities include the construction of tiny mechanical devices, molecular computers, and exceptionally strong materials.

Conclusion

• Fullerenes and carbon nanotubes showcase the versatility and strength of carbon in various applications, ranging from consumer products to advanced technological innovations.