Allotropes of Carbon – Uses of Graphite

Carbon is one of the elements with multiple forms, and hence it is known as an allotrope. Graphite is one of the crystalline allotropes of carbon. As it is a good conductor of electricity, some of the major uses of graphite are manufacturing electronic products like electrodes, solar panels and batteries. It is arranged naturally in a hexagonal structure and is one of the most stable forms of carbon. Graphite was synthesised by Edward G. Acheson while working on an experiment on carborundum at high temperatures. The topic helps understand various uses of graphite and its application across many industries.  

Graphite is a Non-Metallic Conductor 

One of the most prominent properties of graphite is it is a good conductor of electricity due to free-flowing electrons. Each of the carbon atoms in graphite is in a state of sp2 hybridisation. It is attached to its three neighbouring carbon atoms covalently, making it a very tough allotrope of carbon. The covalent bonds have a planar hexagonal ring with a carbon-carbon bond length of 142pm. The layers of the hexagonal rings are held together by weak Van der Waals force. The graphite uses examples in electronic conduction, manufacturing of pencils, nuclear reactors, lubricants and a range of other applications.

Uses of Graphite across Various Applications

As a conductor of electricity, the uses of graphite are quite diverse, and it is used in manufacturing a range of products. Here are some applications of natural graphite.

• Electronic Products – One of the primary uses of graphite is manufacturing a range of electronic products due to its electricity conductor property. Crystalline graphite is used to manufacture carbon electrodes, electronic plates, cell batteries like lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride, solar panels, etc. It is used in the construction of electrodes as graphite has anode properties. It is even used to manufacture nuclear diamond batteries for long-duration electronic energy supply.
• Pencil – The powdered graphite mixed with clay under pressure is used to manufacture pencils.
• Used in Nuclear reactors – One of the significant uses of graphite is nuclear reactors, which helps control nuclear fission. Graphite can absorb the fast-moving neutrons and helps control the nuclear reactor’s reactions.
• Refractories – Graphite is a good conductor of heat, and hence it is used in the development of refractory material with high heat resistance. Hence, uses of graphite are largely observed in the steel and glass manufacturing industries and for the processing of iron.
• Improve the strength of steel – Natural graphite is used in steelmaking as it helps improve the carbon content in molten steel and improves its strength. The use of graphite in manufacturing steel helps raise the carbon content to a specific level.
• Lubricants – Uses of graphite develop lubricants due to their slippery nature. Graphite reacts with atmospheric water forming a thin layer over the surface and reducing friction. It is even used as a protective coating on wood due to its water repellant nature.
• Brake Lining – Graphite is used in brake lining in its natural amorphous and fine flake graphite form. It is considered an important substitute for asbestos.

Use of synthetic Graphic 

Synthetic graphite is used in a range of applications. Edward Goodrich Acheson accidentally discovered the process of synthetic graphite when carborundum was subjected to extremely high temperatures.

• Pure and high-quality synthetic graphite is largely used in scientific research. This form of graphite is known as highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. It helps with the calibration of the scanning probe microscope.
• Synthetic graphite is also used to develop electrodes that carry current for a range of applications like melting scrap iron and reduced iron in electric arc furnaces. The graphite carbon electrodes are used in the aluminium smelting and injection moulding process.
• Synthetic graphite is used in forming graphite powder and scrap. It is used in increasing carbon content in brake lining and steel.
• Gilsocarbon is special-grade synthetic graphite used in nuclear reactors and fusion reactors and helps moderate the operator’s function.

Synthetic graphite is used to develop carbon nanotubes and graphite fibre and hence helps develop commercial products like fishing rods, bicycle frames, golf club shafts, body panels of cars etc.

Conclusion

Graphite is an important allotrope carbon and is a crystalline allotrope form. Graphite is available in both natural and synthetic forms. Graphite is an excellent conductor of heat, and electricity has a range of uses of graphite. The application of graphite is used in a range of industries like the chemical industry to produce phosphorus or calcium carbide, nuclear industries due to high electron absorption capacity, electronic materials and electric motors, and mechanical applications like the development of engineering materials. The topic discusses several uses of graphite and how the properties of the carbon allotrope make it a favourable element.