top of page

Graphenes and fullerenes

The element carbon can exist in different structural forms because of the different ways that carbon atoms can bond together. These different structural forms include diamond and graphite and are described as allotropes.

Other recently discovered forms are collectively known as fullerenes. The first fullerene was discovered by accident in 1985 and this was called buckminsterfullerene. This molecule was found to be made up of 60 carbon atoms (C) and is spherical in shape. It has the shape similar to a football made up of hexagons and pentagons. Imagine carbon atoms at each of the points or vertices of these shapes gives an idea of its structure.

Properties of C60

· Black solid at room temperature not able to conduct electricity

· Insoluble in water but dissolves in petrol to produce a deep red solution

· Molecules are strong and hard but elastic so that they can be squashed by 70% of their normal size and able recoil back to original size

Buckminsterfullerene

original?tenant=vbu-digital

Possible uses of fullerenes

Some uses that scientists are working on include:

· Non-stick slippery coating that can act as miniature ball bearings for machinery

· Cages to hold drug molecules allowing direct delivery into the body

· Molecular sieves that trap particles like viruses allowing smaller particles to pass through

· Chemical sponges that could soak up toxic substances in the body

Nanotubes

Nanotubes are another form of fullerene that have a hexagonal structure as found in the layers of graphite. If a layer or sheet of graphite is rolled up and made into a tube it will form a nanotube.   

Graphene – a sheet of graphite

original?tenant=vbu-digital

Nanotube

original?tenant=vbu-digital

Nanotubes have many useful properties such as:

  • very high tensile strength
  • unique electrical properties
  • good heat conductance

Possible uses of nanotubes

The properties of nanotubes can make them useful in:

  • Thinner, lighter television screens
  • Smaller, thinner optical fibres
  • Strong, light waterproof fabrics materials
  • Better, stronger building materials
  • Smaller, lighter electrical circuits
bottom of page