Browsing: Fullerenes

Fullerenes are a class of carbon-based molecules composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a spherical, tubular, or ellipsoidal structure. The most well-known fullerene is buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀), which resembles a soccer ball with 60 carbon atoms forming a truncated icosahedron. Discovered in 1985 by scientists Richard Smalley, Robert Curl, and Harold Kroto, fullerenes represent a third form of carbon, distinct from graphite and diamond. These molecules have unique properties, such as high resilience and electrical conductivity, making them of interest in various fields including materials science, electronics, and nanotechnology. Fullerenes have potential applications in drug delivery, superconductors, and even as components in molecular machines, reflecting their importance in advancing nanoscience and nanotechnology.