fullerenes, graphene, nanotubes and polymers Flashcards
define ‘allotrope’
a different physical form in which an element can exist
define ‘polymers’
long chains of molecules. they form from lots of repeating monomers that have joined together
what type of bonding is a polymer?
covalent
define ‘cross link’
a chemical bond between the different chains of a polymer.
what is the formula of Buckminster fullerene?
c⁶⁰
what element is Buckminster fullerene made from?
only carbon atoms
what is a common feature of all fullerenes?
hollow centres
name the three different ring structures present in fullerenes
hexagonal, pentagonal and heptagonal
what potential uses does Buckminster fullerene have?
drug delivery into the body
lubricants
catalysts
state two properties of carbon nanotubes not directly linked to its bonding
1.low density
2.strong
how similar are carbon nanotubes to graphene?
each carbon atom is bonded to three other atoms
how are carbon nanotubes different from fullerenes?
they are long and cylindrical with high length to diameter ratio.
how do carbon nanotubes conduct electricity?
delocalised electrons carry charge.
state three uses of carbon nanotubes
1.high tensile strength (reinforce composites e.g. tennis rackets)
2.nanotechnology
3.electronics
what type of structure is graphene?
giant covalent structure
how is graphene similar to graphite?
•it is made from one sheet of graphite
•each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms.
name the type & strength of bonds within graphene sheets
very strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms
how does graphene conduct electricity?
every carbon atom has one delocalised electron which carries charge
state three properties of graphenes
1.low density
2.strong material
3.electrical conductivity
state a use of graphene
transparent electronics applications
