4.6 Graphene & Fullerenes Flashcards

1
Q

Graphene (4)

A
  • Graphene is a single sheet of graphite.
  • The carbon atoms are arranged in hexagons, and each atom forms three covalent bonds.
  • Graphene’s a bit of a wonder material - its covalent bonds make it extremely strong and a sheet of graphene is so thin that it’s transparent and incredibly light.
  • Its delocalised electrons are completely free to move about, which makes it even better at conducting electricity and thermal energy than graphite
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2
Q

Why is graphene so good at conducting electricity and thermal energy?

A

Each of the atoms donates one of it’s electrons to a delocalised pool of electrons

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3
Q

Where can graphene be found?

A

In the ground in the form of graphite

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4
Q

What can fullerenes (spheres) be used for? (2)

A
  • Scientists are able to form the spheres around other molecules, such as drugs, so that it acts like a cage and can deliver the drugs all around the body.
  • As fullerenes have a large surface area : volume ratio, they could be used to make industrial catalysts, which are used to speed up chemical reactions.
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5
Q

What can fullerenes (tubes) be used for? (2)

A
  • ‘Nanotubes’ can be used in ‘nanotechnology’ and in electronics, due to their ability to conduct electricity.
  • They can be used to strengthen other materials, like tennis racket frames. This is because of their very high length : diameter ratio (they are very long and thin), so they can add strength without adding much weight.
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6
Q

Graphene can be found naturally within graphite. The sheets can be folded into two types of 3D structure: tubes and spheres, which are known as __________.

A

fullerenes

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7
Q

What is the formula of the first spherical fullerene produced, known as the Buckminster fullerene?

A

C60

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8
Q

Which feature of carbon nanotubes makes them useful in tennis racket frames?

A

Their high strength to weight ratio

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