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.