Fullerene – Structure, Properties, Types, Uses and FAQs

Fullerene

Fullerene – Structure: A fullerene is a molecule of carbon in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube. Fullerenes are similar in structure to graphite, which is composed of stacked graphene sheets. However, the carbon atoms in fullerenes are arranged in pentagons and hexagons, forming a pattern that resembles chicken wire.

Fullerene Structure

• A fullerene is a molecule composed entirely of carbon, in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube. Fullerenes are similar in structure to carbon nanotubes, but have a higher symmetry and are not hollow. The first fullerene molecule was discovered in 1985 by Sir Harold Kroto, James R. Heath, Sean O’Brien, and Robert Curl, who were investigating the reactivity of carbon in an arc discharge. They found that the carbon vapor produced by the discharge formed clusters of 60 carbon atoms, which they named buckminsterfullerene, after the architect Richard Buckminster Fuller.
• Since their discovery, fullerenes have been the subject of intense research, because of their unique mechanical and electronic properties. Fullerenes are the most thermodynamically stable form of carbon and are excellent conductors of electricity. They are also very strong and resistant to degradation, making them potential candidates for a variety of applications, including electronics, optics, and materials science.

Properties of Fullerene

• Fullerenes are molecules composed entirely of carbon, in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube. They are also called buckyballs, after Buckminster Fuller, who popularized their form. Fullerenes are formed by high-energy collisions between carbon ions in an arc discharge.
• Fullerenes have a variety of unusual properties, including extreme strength and stiffness, thermal and electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion. They are also very stable, and are not affected by most solvents or gases.

Chemical Properties of Fullerene

Fullerene is a carbon molecule that has a spherical or cylindrical shape. It is made of 60 carbon atoms and has a molecular weight of 720. It is a natural product of combustion and is found in soot. Fullerene is a stable molecule and is not affected by heat or light. It is insoluble in water and most common solvents. Fullerene is a good conductor of electricity.

Types of Fullerene

There are many types of fullerene molecules, and each fullerene has a different chemical makeup. The most common type of fullerene is carbon-60 (C60), which is a molecule made up of 60 carbon atoms. Other types of fullerene molecules include C70, C84, and C100.

Some of the Forms of Fullerenes are Discussed Below

C60

C60 is a soccer-ball-shaped molecule consisting of 60 carbon atoms. It is the most common fullerene molecule.

C70

C70 is a rugby-ball-shaped molecule consisting of 70 carbon atoms. It is less common than C60.

C84

C84 is a football-shaped molecule consisting of 84 carbon atoms. It is the largest fullerene molecule.

Uses of Fullerene

Fullerene has a variety of potential uses. These include:

• -Nanotechnology: Fullerene can be used to create very small, stable structures that can be used in a variety of applications.
• -Drug Delivery: Fullerene can be used to deliver drugs to specific parts of the body, increasing the effectiveness of the drugs.
• -Solar Cells: Fullerene can be used to improve the efficiency of solar cells.
• -Catalysis: Fullerene can be used to catalyze chemical reactions, speeding up the process.

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