Fullerene
Fullerene
Fullerene (/fʊˈlɛriːn/) is a type of molecule composed entirely of carbon, in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube. Fullerenes are similar in structure to graphite, which is composed of stacked graphene sheets of linked hexagonal rings. They are named after Richard Buckminster Fuller, a noted architect who designed many geodesic structures that resemble fullerenes in appearance.
Etymology
The term "fullerene" comes from the name of Richard Buckminster Fuller, an American architect known for his design of geodesic domes, which have a similar structural appearance to fullerenes. The suffix "-ene" indicates that the molecule contains double bonds, as in alkenes.
Types of Fullerenes
There are several types of fullerenes, including:
- Buckminsterfullerene (C60), the most common and most studied fullerene, with a structure that resembles a soccer ball.
- Carbon nanotubes, which are cylindrical fullerenes. These have novel properties that make them potentially useful in a wide variety of applications in nanotechnology, electronics, and optics.
- Megatubes, which are larger in diameter than nanotubes and prepared with walls that are multi-layered.
- Fullerite, the solid-state matter which contains fullerenes.
Related Terms
- Buckyball, a common nickname for buckminsterfullerene.
- Nanomaterials, a broad category of materials that includes fullerenes.
- Nanotechnology, the field of study and application that deals with the manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale, often involving fullerenes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fullerene
- Wikipedia's article - Fullerene
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