C2 : Graphene and Fullerenes

Question 1

What is graphene

Answer 1

A single layer of graphite, Graphene is one atom thick

Question 2

Properties of Graphene

Answer 2

. Excellent conductor of electricity
. Extremely strong

Question 3

Fullerenes

Answer 3

. Molecules of carbon atoms with hollow shapes
. Usually fullerenes have hexagonal rings of carbon atoms but they can have rings of 5 or 7

Question 4

Buckminsterfullerene (C60)

Answer 4

. First fullerene to be introduced
. Contains 60 atoms of carbon arranged in a hollow sphere
. Carbon atoms form rings in either rings of 5 or 6

Question 5

What are the uses of fullerenes

Answer 5

. Used for pharmaceutical delivery
. Lubricants
. Catalysts (speed up chemical reactions)

Question 6

Carbon nanotubes

Answer 6

Fullerenes shaped into long cylinders
Made of carbon rings with 6 carbon atoms

Question 7

Properties of carbon nanotubes

Answer 7

. High tensile strength (can be stretched without breaking)
. Excellent conductors of heat and electricity
Used to reinforce materials e.g. in tennis rackets