Graphite structure

• Structure of graphite

  
• • Graphite conducts electricity 
  • Each carbon atom is bonded to three others leaving one free electron per carbon atom 
  • These free (delocalised) electrons exist in between the layers
  • They are free to move through the structure and carry charge
• • Graphite has a high melting point
  • Graphite has a giant covalent structure
  • There are strong covalent bonds between the carbon atoms
  • These need lots of energy to break 
• • Graphite is slippery 
  • Graphite is arranged in layers
  • Although the atoms within the layers are joined by strong covalent bonds, the layers have only weak intermolecular forces between them
  • As a result the layers can slide over each other
  • This property allows graphite to be used in pencils and as an industrial lubricant
• • Graphite can be used to make inert electrodes for electrolysis, which is particularly important in the extraction of metals such as aluminium