Discovery and uses of carbon nanostructures | Combined science

Starter quiz

Match the following terms to their definition.

element

⇔

A substance made from only one type of atom. ✓

compound

⇔

A substance made from two or more elements chemically bonded together. ✓

melting point

⇔

The temperature at which a substance changes from a solid to a liquid. ✓

electrical conductivity

⇔

Substances that allow electricity to pass through them easily. ✓

physical property

⇔

Can be directly observed or measured without a chemical reaction. ✓
Which of the following represents a nanometre (nm)?

0.000 000 001 m ✓

1 × 10⁻⁹ m ✓

1 × 10⁹ m

0.000 001 m
Put the following numbers into order of increasing size, starting with the smallest.

1

⇔

10 nm

2

⇔

10 μm

3

⇔

10 mm

4

⇔

10 m
Which of the following are examples of physical properties of materials?

melting point ✓

electrical conductivity ✓

pH

ability to rust
Which of the following can be used to describe graphite?

non–metal ✓

good electrical conductor ✓

compound

low melting point
How many covalent bonds can a carbon atom form?

'4' ✓

Exit quiz

Fullerenes and graphene are allotropes of which element?

'carbon' ✓
Which of the following images shows the structure of graphene?
Match the following keywords to their definitions.

graphene

⇔

An allotrope of carbon consisting of a sheet that is one atom thick. ✓

fullerene

⇔

An allotrope of carbon that forms hollow spheres or tubes. ✓

nanotube

⇔

A fullerene that can form a cylinder. ✓
Which of the following statements about the discovery and isolation of fullerenes are correct?

The discovery was accidental. ✓

The existence of fullerenes was predicted before they were isolated. ✓

Graphene was isolated before carbon nanotubes.

The discovery was part of a planned experiment to isolate fullerenes.
Which of the following are properties of fullerenes?

A reactive surface that easily reacts with other atoms or molecules. ✓

Soluble in water.

Cage–like molecules made mostly of carbon atoms.

Accept electrons to form ions. ✓
Which of the following are properties of nanotubes?

Strong, due to the bonding between carbon atoms. ✓

Usually good thermal insulators.

Usually good electrical conductors. ✓

Inflexible

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

Scientists discovered and isolated fullerenes accidentally, which led to exciting new possibilities in chemistry.
Research into the allotropes of carbon is an important part of chemistry's history, earning multiple Nobel Prizes.
Graphene is so thin that it's nearly transparent, allowing most light to pass through.
Fullerenes, nanotubes, and graphene have a wide range of real-world uses in fields like electronics and medicine.
Scientific discoveries have the power to change the world, even if their significance takes time to be fully understood.

Common misconception

Students may think that all carbon allotrope discoveries were recent and that these materials are primarily used in cutting-edge, futuristic applications.

Emphasise the timeline of discoveries (graphite > fullerenes > nanotubes > graphene), highlighting theoretical predictions preceding isolation. Discuss current uses (e.g. nanotubes in sporting equipment) alongside potential future breakthroughs.

Keywords

Fullerene - A molecular allotrope of carbon. Each atom is covalently bonded to three others, forming nanoparticles with hollow spheres or tubes.
Graphene - An allotrope of carbon consisting of a sheet that is one-atom-thick. Each atom is covalently bonded to three others arranged in hexagonal rings.
Nanotube - A cylindrical fullerene, essentially a tube of graphene. A nanoparticle known for its strength and electrical conductivity.