Fullerenes are molecules of carbon with hollow shapes. Their carbon rings include hexagons, and may also include pentagons or heptagons. The first fullerene discovered was buckminsterfullerene, C₆₀: a roughly spherical molecule containing 60 carbon atoms.
C₆₀ has strong covalent bonds inside each cage and weaker forces between separate cages. The model shows all 60 atoms, with faint bonds at the back. Its colours and atom sizes are representations, not a photograph. Models make some features clearer while leaving others out.
Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical fullerenes. They have a very high length-to-diameter ratio: long compared with their width. Strong covalent bonding gives high tensile strength, and suitable nanotubes can conduct electricity.
| Structure/property | Possible use |
|---|---|
| Strong, light nanotubes | Reinforcing composite materials |
| Conducting nanotubes | Tiny electronic components |
| Hollow fullerene cages | Investigating carriers for small molecules, including drug delivery |
These are examples of possible applications, not a claim that every fullerene is used in every product. You need to recognise shapes and link a useful property to an application.
C₆₀ is a hollow carbon cage. Nanotubes are long hollow cylinders useful for their strength and electrical properties.
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