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