Fullerenes are the smallest known stable carbon nanostructures and lie on the boundary between molecules and nanomaterials.
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Each C 60 molecule consists of 60 sp 2 carbon atoms arranged in a series of hexagons and pentagons to form a spherical (truncated icosahedral) structure. (1, 2) Several other fullerenes were subsequently discovered, including C 20, C 70, and even larger species, but C 60 is by far the most widely studied to date. The first of these carbon nanostructures to be discovered was the C 60 molecule, which is known as fullerene and was initially reported in 1985. Over the past few years, the previously empty space between organic molecules and natural carbon materials has been partially filled by the identification of a range of new materials with surprising properties and diverse potential applications in technology. These graphene monolayers consist of sp 2 carbon atoms that are packed densely in a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice. In contrast, graphite is made up of stacked graphene monolayers that are held together by van der Waals interactions. Diamond consists of tetrahedral sp 3 carbon atoms that form unique large crystals. These differences derive from the way that the carbon atoms are connected in each case.
Conversely, graphite is a black opaque soft material with remarkable electrical conductivity. Diamond is a transparent electrical insulator and the hardest known material. Although diamond and graphite both consist exclusively of carbon atoms, their properties are very different. It was two centuries ago that carbon was first shown to be present in organic molecules and biomolecules as well as natural carbon materials such as the various types of amorphous carbon, diamond, and graphite. This property underpins the immense importance of organic chemistry and biochemistry in life.
The unique ability of carbon atoms to participate in robust covalent bonds with other carbon atoms in diverse hybridization states (sp, sp 2, sp 3) or with nonmetallic elements enables them to form a wide range of structures, from small molecules to long chains.
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