Carbon Structures - Graphene
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 2.3.13
Graphene
Graphene is an allotrope (form) of carbon. Graphene has the following properties:
Conducts electricity
- Each carbon atom has a delocalised electron.
- Graphene is a single layer of graphite so it also conducts electricity because of the carbon atoms’ delocalised electrons.
Light but strong
- Graphene has a thickness of just 1 atom (1 layer).
- This means that it is almost a 2-dimensional structure, and so graphene is very light.
- But, the strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms mean that it is also very strong.
What is graphene used for?
- Graphene has lots of uses in electronics and composite materials (materials that have things added to make them more useful).
- Graphene makes materials stronger without making them much heavier.
- Graphene can be used in solar panels, batteries and much more.
Test yourself on Carbon Structures - Graphene
Why does graphene conduct electricity?
Which explains why graphene is strong?
Which explains why graphene is used in composite materials?
Why is graphene very light?
Why can graphene still conduct electricity even though it is only one atom thick?