graphene and fullerenes

• graphene

  • a single layer of graphite, one atom thick
  • excellent conductor of electricity as it has delocalised electrons, it is strong.
• fullerenes

  • molecules of carbon atoms with hollow shapes
  • fullerenes have hexagonal rings of carbon atoms
  • however fullerenes can also have rings with five or seven carbon atoms
• Bucky balls

  • hollow spheres made of C60 (carbon 60)
  • used as lubricants in machines, catalysts and for delivering drugs into the body.
• carbon nanotubes

  • cylindrical fullerenes
  • high tensile strength
  • excellent conductors of heat and electricity, can reinforce materials such as in tennis rackets.