Graphene and fullerenes
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the properties of graphene and fullerenes, relating them back to their structures.
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.
Teacher tip
Highlight structural diagrams showing discrete molecules for fullerenes and the tubular shapes of nanotubes compared to the giant structure of graphene. Use physical models to demonstrate the structure and bonding differences between allotropes.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the term 'allotrope' mean in chemistry?
Q2.Match the carbon allotrope to its primary use.
cutting tools
lubricant
fuel
Q3.Which statement correctly describes the bonding in graphite?
Q4.Graphite is used as a lubricant because it is ...
Q5.Why does graphite conduct electricity?
Q6.Graphite exists as a layered structure of hexagonal rings of carbon atoms, each bonded to three other atoms. Between the layers there are weak holding them together.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is graphene?
Q2.Which property is not associated with graphene?
Q3.Match the following terms with their correct descriptions.
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
Q4.All carbon allotropes are giant covalent substances.
Q5.Arrange the following carbon allotropes in order of their tensile strength, from weakest to strongest.
Q6.A Buckminsterfullerene is a spherical fullerene of carbon atoms.
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Graphene and fullerenes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 combined science 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Chemistry of carbon unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.