Free Science Lessons: Graphene and Fullerene

Overview

• Discuss the structure and properties of graphene and fullerene.
• Understand how these properties relate to their structures.

Graphene

Structure

• Graphene is a single layer of graphite.
• Only one atom thick.

Properties

• Conductivity: Good conductor of electricity due to delocalized electrons which can move and carry charge.
  • Potential use in future electronics.
• Strength and Thermal Properties: Extremely strong with high melting and boiling point.
  • Contains a large number of strong covalent bonds.
  • Potential use in producing new materials.

Fullerene

Structure

• Made from carbon atoms arranged in hollow shapes.
• Contains hexagonal rings, but can also have rings with 5 or 7 carbon atoms.

Buckminsterfullerene

• First discovered fullerene.
• Contains 60 carbon atoms in a hollow sphere.
• Rings are either hexagonal or pentagonal.

Applications

• Drug Delivery: Used to deliver pharmaceuticals within the body.
• Lubricants: Reduce friction in machines.
• Catalysts: Speed up chemical reactions.

Carbon Nanotubes

Structure

• Type of fullerene shaped into long cylinders.
• High length to diameter ratio.
• Rings formed from six carbon atoms.

Properties

• Tensile Strength: High tensile strength, withstands a lot of stretching force.
• Conductivity: Good conductors of electricity and heat due to delocalized electrons.

Potential Uses

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

Additional Resources

• Questions and further exploration available in the lesson workbook.