FULLERENES Meaning and
Definition
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Fullerenes are a unique class of carbon molecules composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a spherical or tube-like structure. These molecules are notable for their distinct symmetrical shapes and are often referred to as buckyballs, as they resemble tiny soccer balls or cages made of carbon atoms. The most common type of fullerene is C60, also known as buckminsterfullerene, which takes the form of a hollow sphere comprised of 60 carbon atoms connected by covalent bonds.
Fullerenes exhibit remarkable properties due to their structure and composition. They possess high strength, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity, making them highly versatile in various applications. Their unique carbon framework allows for efficient electron transfer, making them suitable for use in battery technology, as electron acceptors in solar cells, and catalysts in chemical reactions. Additionally, their large surface area makes them useful in drug delivery systems and as molecular sieves.
These intriguing carbon structures were first discovered in 1985 by Harold Kroto, Robert Curl, and Richard Smalley, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work. Since then, researchers have discovered various other fullerenes, such as nanotubes and ellipsoids, expanding their potential applications further. Fullerenes have revolutionized the fields of materials science, nanotechnology, and organic chemistry, offering immense potential for advancements in technology and medicine.
Common Misspellings for FULLERENES
Etymology of FULLERENES
The word "fullerenes" is derived from the name of Buckminster Fuller, an American architect, systems theorist, and inventor who popularized the geodesic dome structure. In 1985, scientists Richard Smalley, Robert Curl, James Heath, Sean O'Brien, and Harold Kroto discovered a new form of carbon molecule composed of 60 atoms in a spherical shape resembling the geodesic dome. As a tribute to Buckminster Fuller's contribution to the understanding of similar geometric structures, they named the new carbon molecule "fullerene". Since then, fullerene has become a collective term used for various carbon molecules with similar structures, such as C60 (the most famous fullerene), C70, and many others.
