š Topic 02 of 6 Ā· Chapter 08 Ā· Nanotechnology & Material Science
Carbon Nanotubes, Graphene & Fullerenes
Carbon nanotubes, graphene, fullerenes, quantum dots ā complete notes for UPSC & PSC exams.
āļø Carbon Nanomaterials
| Material | Structure | Properties | Nobel Prize | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphene | Single layer of carbon atoms in hexagonal lattice | Strongest material (200Ć steel); best conductor; transparent; flexible | Physics 2010 (Geim + Novoselov) | Electronics, batteries, water filtration, composites |
| Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) | Rolled graphene sheets (cylinder) | Strongest material; excellent electrical conductor; lightweight | ā | Electronics, composites, drug delivery, sensors |
| Fullerenes (Cāā) | Spherical cage of 60 carbon atoms (“Buckyballs”) | Unique cage structure; can trap molecules | Chemistry 1996 (Curl, Kroto, Smalley) | Drug delivery, lubricants, superconductors |
| Quantum Dots | Semiconductor nanocrystals (2-10 nm) | Size-dependent optical properties; emit different colours | Chemistry 2023 (Bawendi, Brus, Ekimov) | LED displays, solar cells, medical imaging |
āļø Graphene ā Key Facts
- Isolated in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov using Scotch tape
- Nobel Prize in Physics 2010
- Thinnest material known (one atom thick)
- 200Ć stronger than steel; conducts electricity better than copper
- Nearly transparent; flexible
- Building block of graphite (pencil lead) and carbon nanotubes
ā Nobel Prizes ā Carbon Nanomaterials:
ā¢ Graphene = Nobel Prize Physics 2010 = Andre Geim + Konstantin Novoselov
ā¢ Fullerenes (Cāā) = Nobel Prize Chemistry 1996 = Curl + Kroto + Smalley
ā¢ Quantum Dots = Nobel Prize Chemistry 2023 = Bawendi + Brus + Ekimov
ā¢ Carbon nanotubes = no Nobel Prize yet but widely used
ā¢ Graphene = Nobel Prize Physics 2010 = Andre Geim + Konstantin Novoselov
ā¢ Fullerenes (Cāā) = Nobel Prize Chemistry 1996 = Curl + Kroto + Smalley
ā¢ Quantum Dots = Nobel Prize Chemistry 2023 = Bawendi + Brus + Ekimov
ā¢ Carbon nanotubes = no Nobel Prize yet but widely used