Forms of Carbon

2. Forms of Carbon Some allotropes of carbon: diamond; graphite; Lonsdaleite; d–f) fullerenes (C60, C540, C70); g) amorphous carbon; h) carbon nanotube.

3. 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/

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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