fullerenes, graphene, nanotubes and polymers

Question 1

define ‘allotrope’

Answer 1

a different physical form in which an element can exist

Question 2

define ‘polymers’

Answer 2

long chains of molecules. they form from lots of repeating monomers that have joined together

Question 3

what type of bonding is a polymer?

Answer 3

covalent

Question 4

define ‘cross link’

Answer 4

a chemical bond between the different chains of a polymer.

Question 5

what is the formula of Buckminster fullerene?

Answer 5

c⁶⁰

Question 6

what element is Buckminster fullerene made from?

Answer 6

only carbon atoms

Question 7

what is a common feature of all fullerenes?

Answer 7

hollow centres

Question 8

name the three different ring structures present in fullerenes

Answer 8

hexagonal, pentagonal and heptagonal

Question 9

what potential uses does Buckminster fullerene have?

Answer 9

drug delivery into the body
lubricants
catalysts

Question 10

state two properties of carbon nanotubes not directly linked to its bonding

Answer 10

1.low density
2.strong

Question 11

how similar are carbon nanotubes to graphene?

Answer 11

each carbon atom is bonded to three other atoms

Question 12

how are carbon nanotubes different from fullerenes?

Answer 12

they are long and cylindrical with high length to diameter ratio.

Question 13

how do carbon nanotubes conduct electricity?

Answer 13

delocalised electrons carry charge.

Question 14

state three uses of carbon nanotubes

Answer 14

1.high tensile strength (reinforce composites e.g. tennis rackets)
2.nanotechnology
3.electronics

Question 15

what type of structure is graphene?

Answer 15

giant covalent structure

Question 16

how is graphene similar to graphite?

Answer 16

•it is made from one sheet of graphite
•each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms.

Question 17

name the type & strength of bonds within graphene sheets

Answer 17

very strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms

Question 18

how does graphene conduct electricity?

Answer 18

every carbon atom has one delocalised electron which carries charge

Question 19

state three properties of graphenes

Answer 19

1.low density
2.strong material
3.electrical conductivity

Question 20

state a use of graphene

Answer 20

transparent electronics applications