Topic 2 Allotropes Of Carbon Flashcards
What are allotropes
Different structural forms of the same element in the same physical state
Properties of diamond
Has giant covalent structure made up of carbon atoms
Each form 4 covalent bonds
This makes diamond rlly hard
Strong covalent bonds take a lot of energy to break and give diamond a very high melting point
Doesn’t conduct electricity because it has no free electrons or ions
Properties of graphite
Each carbon atom form 3 covalent bonds creating sheets of carbon atoms arranged in hexagons
There aren’t any covalent bonds between the layers they are only held together weakly so are free to move over each other
This makes graphite soft and slippery so is an ideal lubricating material
Has a high melting point need loads of energy to break bonds
Has delocalised electrons so can conduct electricity and thermal energy
What is graphene
One layer of graphite
How big is one sheet of graphite (graphene)
One atom thick (2d substance)
Properties of graphene
Network of covalent bonds makes it very strong
Very light so can be added to composite materials to improve their strength without adding too much weight
Contains delocalised electron so can conduct electricity through the whole structure
Potential to be used in electronics
What are fullerene
Molecules of carbon shaped like closed tubes or hollow balls
What was the first fullerene found
Buckminsterfullerene
Molecular formula = C60
Forms a hollow sphere
What are the structures of fullerenes 
How many made up of carbon atoms arranged in hexagons but can also contain pentagons or heptagon
How can fullerenes be used to deliver a drugs into the body
Fullerenes can be used to cage other molecules
the fullerene structure forms around another atom or molecule which is then trapped inside
Why do fullerenes make good catalyst
They have a huge surface area and individual catalyst molecules can be attached to the fullerene
What else can fullerene to be used as
Lubricants
What makes nanotubes
Fullerenes shaped and tiny carbon cylinders
Properties of nanotubes
Have high ratio between length and diameter
conduct electricity and thermal energy
Have a high tensile strength (don’t break when stretched)
Can be used in electronics or to strip the materials without adding much weight (such as tennis racket frames)
What is it called when nanotubes are used in technology
Nanotechnology
