GRAPHENE AND FULLERENES

Graphene

Graphene is an ALLOTROPE of carbon; GRAPHENE is a SINGLE LAYER of GRAPHITE.

DO NOT GET GRAPHENE CONFUSED WITH GRAPHITE.

\ Graphene properties:

  • Conductor of electricity → each carbon atom has a delocalised electron able to move through the substance if a voltage is applied
  • LIGHT but also STRONG → ONE atom thick therefore almost a 2 dimensional structure (therefore very LIGHT) + STRONG COVALENT BONDS between the carbon atoms (therefore very STRONG)

\ Uses of graphene:

  • Used in electronics + composite materials
  • Makes materials STRONGER without making them heavier
  • Used in solar panels + batteries

\

Fullerenes

\ Fullerenes: MOLECULES of carbon atoms that TAKE UP HOLLOW STRUCTURES.

The structure of fullerenes is usually carbon atoms arranged in HEXAGONAL rings (but pentagonal and heptagonal rings can also be found)

\ Uses of SPHERICAL FULLERENES:

  • catalysts
  • Lubricants
  • Vehicles for transporting drugs into our bodies → bc they can trap molecules inside themselves

\ CARBON NANOTUBES: Fullerenes that take the shape of a CYLINDER; they have a SMALL diameter but are VERY LONG

\ Carbon nanotubes→ VERY STRONG bc of the STRONG COVALENT BONDS between the carbon atoms

\ Uses of CYLINDRICAL FULLERENES (nanotubes):

  • useful in electronics + nanotechnology (can conduct electricity)
  • Can help strengthen materials

\ The first fullerene discovered was BUCKMINSTERFULLERENE, it has a spherical shape and the formula C60.