Graphene and fullerenes
I can describe the properties of graphene and fullerenes, relating them back to their structures.
Graphene and fullerenes
I can describe the properties of graphene and fullerenes, relating them back to their structures.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Graphene is a single layer of graphite, is very strong and conducts electricity.
- Fullerenes are molecules of carbon with hollow shapes.
- The structure of fullerenes is based on hexagonal rings of carbon atoms, or on carbon rings of five or seven atoms.
- A Buckminsterfullerene is a spherical fullerene of sixty carbon atoms (C₆₀).
- A carbon nanotube is a tube of graphene that is very long compared to its diameter and has a high tensile strength.
Keywords
Allotrope - A different structural form of an element, e.g. graphite and diamond are allotropes of carbon.
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.
Fullerene - A molecular allotrope of carbon. Each atom is covalently bonded to three others, forming nanoparticles with hollow spheres or tubes.
Buckminsterfullerene - A spherical fullerene composed of 60 carbon atoms (held together by covalent bonds). It is a very stable structure.
Nanotube - A cylindrical fullerene, essentially a tube of graphene. A nanoparticle known for its strength and electrical conductivity.
Common misconception
Students may think all carbon allotropes have giant covalent structures due to strong covalent bonds.
Emphasise that fullerenes and nanotubes, unlike graphene and diamond, have discrete molecular structures.
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Graphene and fullerenes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Graphene and fullerenes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Chemistry of carbon unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
cutting tools
lubricant
fuel
Exit quiz
6 Questions
spherical fullerene composed of 60 carbon atoms
different structural form of an element
cylindrical fullerene known for its strength and conductivity
single layer of graphite
molecular allotrope of carbon forming nanoparticles with hollow shapes