Allotropes of Carbon in Crystalline and Amorphous Form

Allotropes are the crystalline forms of an element that exist in more than one crystalline form with varying physical properties but comparable chemical properties. Diamond and graphite are the two most popular allotropes of carbon. Carbon is a nonmetallic element that is required for life to exist. The phrase is derived from the Latin word “carbo,” which means “coal.” This is because it is coal’s most vital component.

Allotropes

Allotropy is defined as one element in several forms with different physical qualities but similar chemical properties. Allotropes or Allotropic Structures are different varieties of an element. Allotropy is a property of carbon. The many allotropic kinds of carbon may be divided into two groups: crystalline and amorphous.

• Crystalline Form

The particles of crystalline solids are organised in a three-dimensional arrangement. Intermolecular forces are equivalent between the particles. The crystalline form is anisotropic as well as has a sharp melting point. Actual solids are what they’re called. Diamond is made up of benzoic acid. Diamond’s uses include: it’s extensively employed in the creation of exquisite jewellery.

• Amorphous Form

Shapeless, if we can define amorphous in one word. This term comes from the Greek language. The solid particles are arranged in an uneven pattern. There are differences in intermolecular forces. The spacing between particles changes as well. They have an amorphous geometric form. Supercooled liquids are another name for them. They’re both isotropic. Glass, for example, is made of naphthalene. Glass applications include: It is commonly used in building construction. It’s also used to pack cosmetics, such as cosmetics boxes, and food, such as food jars.

Allotropes of Carbon Definition:

The molecular arrangement of the carbon atom is (2, 4), as shown by its atomic number of 6. The outermost shell of a carbon atom contains four electrons, so it shares them and enters the inactive gas state. The carbon atom forms covalent bonds with other atoms as a result. Diamond is a well-known carbon allotrope with exceptional light dispersion and toughness. It is the hardest natural mineral known to man, and it is used in cutting, piercing, jewellery, and a possible semiconductor material. A single sheet of carbon atoms organised in one plane is called graphene, and graphite is made up of graphene layers. Because of its electron mobility and potential uses in electronics, graphene is a material of high relevance.

Types of Allotropes of Carbon

Diamond

The carbon allotrope diamond is arguably the best-known. The carbon atoms are organised in a lattice, which is a kind of head cubic crystal structure. It possesses exceptional physical properties, the majority of which stem from its atoms’ strong covalent bonds. The chair conformation allows for zero bond-angle strain because these tetrahedrons create a 3D network of 6 carbon rings. Diamond’s immensely robust structure is due to its stable covalent connections and hexagonal rings.

Properties of Diamond

• This is the most flawless and dense carbon collection
• It is the hardest regular material known, with a very high softening point and insoluble in all solvents
• It is simple to use and measures a high refractive index
• It’s a horrible power transmission system

Graphite

Graphite, like a diamond, is a semi-metal and an electrical conductor. In thermochemistry, graphite is employed as the standard state for determining the heat production of carbon compounds since it is the best stable form of carbon under standardised circumstances. Graphene is a graphite layer with only one layer. The electrical, thermal, and physical qualities of this material are exceptional. The carbon atoms in this allotrope are organised hexagonally in flat two-dimensional layers. It’s a squishy, black solid with a slick surface. Because graphite cleaves easily across layers, this feature of graphite endures.

Properties of Graphite

• It’s dark grey, with a metallic shine
• It’s silky and greasy to the touch
• The carbon allotrope can function as a lubricant since the layers are piled atop one another
• It also has a metallic lustre that aids in electrical conductivity. Both heat and electricity pass through it quite well

Fullerenes and Nanotubes

Another type of carbon allotrope is carbon nanomaterials. Fullerenes (also known as buckyballs) are carbon-based molecules that adopt the shape of hollow spheres, ellipsoids, or tubes and are available in various sizes. Carbon nanotubes are spherical carbon molecules with unusual strength and electrical capabilities and excellent heat conductivity. Fullerene-like “buds” are covalently linked to the exterior sidewalls of a carbon nanotube in carbon nanobuds, a recently found allotrope.

Properties of Fullerenes and Nanotubes

• The functionality and structure of fullerene vary as the temperature is altered
• Fullerenes’ structure varies depending on the pressure
• Alkali or alkaline earth metals are used to dope fullerenes to obtain superconductivity
• The ferromagnetism of fullerene is a unique characteristic
• Carbon compounds abound with fullerene, as a result of this, it’s highly soluble in organic solvents

Conclusion

Without the element Carbon, life on Earth would not have been possible. Carbon can be found in various forms in both living and non-living objects. You learned about various allotropic forms of carbon, such as diamond, graphite, fullerene, and others, and their structure, characteristics, and applications.