A molecular allotrope of carbon. Each atom is covalently bonded to three others, forming nanoparticles with hollow spheres or tubes.

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.

A cylindrical fullerene, essentially a tube of graphene. A nanoparticle known for its strength and electrical conductivity.

Discovery and uses of carbon nanostructures

Combined science

Bonding to carbon atoms

Diamond and graphite

Using models to explain state changes

Graphene and fullerenes

Bonding, structure and properties

Hydrocarbons

In the Organic Chemistry unit, pupils will build on their knowledge of carbon chemistry to explore the vast array of natural and synthetic organic compounds and their applications.

In the Structure and Bonding unit, pupils learned about different types of chemical bonding and how these bonds affect the properties of substances.

This unit explores how material properties relate to bonding, bond strength, and structure, focusing on carbon compounds like diamond, graphite, and graphene. It covers nanoparticles, their uses and risks, surface area calculations, scale comparisons, and model representation techniques.

Chemistry of carbon

Fullerenes and graphene are allotropes of which element? 

Which of the following images shows the structure of graphene?

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

An allotrope of carbon that forms hollow spheres or tubes.

Match the following keywords to their definitions. 

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 statements about the discovery and isolation of fullerenes are correct?

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

Cage–like molecules made mostly of carbon atoms.

Which of the following are properties of fullerenes?

Strong, due to the bonding between carbon atoms.

Which of the following are properties of nanotubes?

A substance made from only one type of atom.

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

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

Substances that allow electricity to pass through them easily.

Can be directly observed or measured without a chemical reaction.

Match the following terms to their definition.

Which of the following represents a nanometre (nm)?

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

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

Which of the following can be used to describe graphite?

How many covalent bonds can a carbon atom form?

Discovery and uses of carbon nanostructures

Lesson outcome