The model shows the structure of one hexagonal
layer of carbon atoms, a graphene sheet.
Stacks of graphene sheets form graphite, one of the allotropes of
carbon. The structure easily cleaves between planes, leading to the utility
of graphite writing pencils.
The model shows the structure of graphite, one of the allotropes of
carbon. Its structure is comprised of hexagonal layers of carbon atoms.
One such hexagonal layer, shown in yellow, is called a graphene sheet.
A graphene sheet can be rolled to form another allotrope of carbon
called a carbon nanotube. The graphene sheet can be rolled more than one
way, producing different types of carbon nanotubes. Download a pdf file with hexagonal
sheets. Print on paper to roll your own nanotube. Printing this file on
a plastic transparency will let you show this experiment on an overhead
projector.
The graphene sheet can be rolled more than one way, producing different
types of carbon nanotubes. The three main types are armchair, zig-zag,
and chiral.
A "zig-zag" carbon nanotube.
A "chiral" carbon nanotube.
An "armchair" carbon nanotube.
A carbon nanotube model showing its flexibility.
Carbon nanotubes flash when placed in a microwave oven. An orange
solid remains, presumably iron oxide derived from the iron catalyst used
in producing the nanotubes. A control experiment using iron powder (<
10 micron diameter) showed no effect under the same conditions.
Buckyball is another allotrope of carbon. This sixty carbon atom molecule
is shaped like a soccer ball.
Buckyball is another allotrope of carbon, comprised of five and six
membered rings. This model is built by assembling five membered rings
around a five membered ring.
Buckyball is another allotrope of carbon, comprised of five and six
membered rings. This model is built by assembling five membered rings
around a six membered ring.
Buckyball has both five fold and six fold rotational symmetry.
A buckyball broken in half provides a template for a carbon nanotube.
A buckyball broken in half provides a template for a carbon nanotube.
Diamond is another allotrope of carbon.
*Magnetic models created by Eatai Roth, Anne-Marie Nickel,
and Tim Herman through the Milwaukee School of Engineering NSF-sponsored REU
program using the Rapid Prototyping Center and the Center
for Biomolecular Modeling.
