(40) GCSE Chemistry Revision "Graphene and Fullerenes"

Introduction

• Overview of graphene and fullerene

• Objectives:

  • Describe the structure of graphene and fullerene

  • Discuss properties of graphene and fullerene and link these to their structures

Graphite Recap

• Structure of graphite:

  • Formed from layers of carbon atoms in hexagonal rings

  • Each carbon atom has one delocalized outer electron

• Properties of graphite:

  • Good conductor of electricity and thermal energy due to delocalized electrons

Graphene

Structure of Graphene

• Graphene is a single layer of graphite (one atom thick)

Properties of Graphene

• Electrical Conductivity:

  • Good conductor due to delocalized electrons that can move through the structure

• Strength and Thermal Stability:

  • Extremely strong due to numerous strong covalent bonds

  • High melting and boiling points because breaking covalent bonds requires significant energy

• Applications:

  • Potential uses in electronics and production of new materials

Fullerenes

Structure of Fullerenes

• Molecules based on carbon atoms with hollow shapes

• Typically consist of hexagonal rings of carbon, with possible variations including rings of five or seven carbon atoms

Example: Buckminsterfullerene

• Discovery of buckminsterfullerene:

  • Contains 60 carbon atoms arranged in a hollow sphere

  • Carbon atoms form both 5-membered and 6-membered rings

Properties and Uses of Fullerenes

• Drug Delivery:

  • Capable of delivering pharmaceuticals in the body

• Lubrication:

  • Reduces friction between moving parts in machines

• Catalysis:

  • Can act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions

Carbon Nanotubes

Structure of Carbon Nanotubes

• Shape: long cylinders with a small diameter

• High length-to-diameter ratio; formed from rings of six carbon atoms

Properties of Carbon Nanotubes

• High Tensile Strength:

  • Can withstand significant stretching forces before breaking

• Electrical Conductivity:

  • Delocalized electrons make them good conductors of electricity

• Thermal Conductivity:

  • Also good conductors of heat

Applications of Carbon Nanotubes

• Reinforcement of materials (e.g., in high-end tennis rackets)

• Ongoing research to explore additional uses