Forms of Carbon

Forms of Carbon

Some allotropes of carbon: a) diamond;b) graphite; c) Lonsdaleite; d–f) fullerenes (C60, C540,

C70); g) amorphous carbon; h) carbon nanotube.

Carbon Nanotubes

• Effectively a single layer of graphite only in a cylinder.• Can be conductive or semi-

conductive.• Many applications: energy

storage and conversion, sensors, radiation sources, semi conductors, probes, hydrogen storage….

http://www.nanotech-now.com/

http://www.nanoshel.com/

Bucky Balls (Buckminsterfullerine C60)

• Resembles a soccer ball pattern.• Naturally found in soot and space. • Exhibits wave particle duality (largest

molecule to do so)• Could “store” molecules inside of

them. • radioactive delivery system• chemical tracers• HIV inhibitor

• Super conductor at 18K higher with doping• Hydrogen storage

Silicone as a basis for life? (not testable on exam)

• Smallest element with same valence electron structure as carbon• Many similar properties to carbon• Probably not as likely as SciFi makes it

out to be• Doesn’t bind with as many atoms• Doesn’t make double or triple bonds,

severely limiting chemistry

• Si chains with H are unstable in water. • Si chains with O are more stable, but

still not as stable as carbon. • Metal oxides, Boron, Sulfur all possible

Noble Gases

• He: refrigerant for super conducting magnets like in MRIs: used in scuba diving and blimbs.• Many uses where you need an “inert”

atmosphere, chemistry, lightbulbs, storage ect…..• “Neon” lights, which are really many elements.• Interesting tidbit: Argon means “the lazy one” in

greek.

He Ne Ar Kr Xe