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UNIT-4 CARBON MATERIALS FOR HEALTH, STEALTH AND ENERGY

QUESTION BANK
PART-A
1. What are allotropes of carbon? Name them.
Diamond, Graphite, Graphene, Fullerene, Lonsdaleite, Carbonnanotubes.
2. What are fullerenes?
It’s a cage of sixty carbon atoms or more atoms
3. Define graphene.
It’s a two-dimensional carbon allotrope with the carbon atoms arranged in a two-
dimensional honeycomb lattice
4. Differentiate graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide.
Graphene Oxide Reduced Graphene Oxide
Expoliated graphene Reduction of Graphene oxide
gives Reduced Graphene
oxide
Defect are not present Defects are present
Hydroxy, epoxy and Carboxy Hydroxy, epoxy and Carboxy
groups are present on groups are very less.
graphene surface

5. Why graphene called as van der Waals solid?

A solid composed of molecules held together by van der Waals intermolecular forces
6. Mention any two applications of fullerenes.
1) Antioxidant 2) Electron acceptor 3) HIV inbitor 4) Anticancer
5) Antimicrobial agent
9. What are carbon annotates?
The rolled Graphene sheet is known as carbon nanotube.

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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10. Name the two types of CNTs.

1. Single Wall Carbon Nano tubes 2. Multi Wall Carbon Nanotubes
11. Give the classification of SWCNT based on chirality.
1. Chiral CNTs 2. Arm Chair CNTs 3. Zig-Zag CNTs.
12. Differentiate SWCNT and MWCNT properties.

Property Single-Walled Carbon Multi-Walled Carbon

Nanotubes (SWCNT) Nanotubess (MWCNT)

No.of graphene One Two and more graphene

layers layer
Diameter 0.4 to 2 nm 2 to 1000nm
2
Surface Area ˃1000 m /gm ˂ 500 m2/gm
Young Modulus 1 to 5 TPa 0.2 to 0.9 TPa
Tensile Strength 13 to 53 GPa 11 to 60 GPa
Morphology TEM FESEM
Visualization

13. Give the advantages of Laser ablation method of synthesis of CNTs over
thermal CVD method.

Laser ablation method has several advantages such as

a. High quality single walled carbon nanotubes can be produced,

b. Diameter of the nanotubes can be controlled and
c. Growth dynamics can be followed.

14. Write short note on graphene, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide.

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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Graphene: Graphene is allotrope of the carbon. It is the building block for other graphitic
materials (since a typical carbon atom has a diameter of about 0.33 nanometers, there
are about 3 million layers of graphene in 1 mm of graphite).

15. What are the Graphene Characteristics

Sp2 Hybridization, 0.345 nm thickness, Atoms 1.42 Ao apart.

These properties enable graphene to be extraordnary in terms of i) Strength. ii)

Electricity and Heat Conduction.

16. Write the Synthesis of Graphene oxide (GO) and its properties

Hummers - Offeman method

KMnO4, NaNo3
Graphite Graphene oxide (GO)
Conc. H2SO4

Properties of graphene oxide.

Solubility: Disperse in organic solvents, water,

This is a major benefit when combining the material with polymer or ceramic matrixes to
enhance their mechanical and electrical properties.

Applications

17. What are the applications of Graphene oxide films

Graphene research, Biomedical, Solar cells

Graphene/polymer composite materials, Batteries, Supercapacitors, Support for metallic

catalysts, Low permeability materials, Biosensors, Multifunctional materials.

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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PART B

1. Explain in detail about the various allotropes of carbon.

Carbon Allotropes:
Carbon is capable of forming many allotropes due to its valency. Well-known forms are
diamond, graphite, Fullerene, Carbon nanotubes.
Allotrope Structure Properties
name
Diamond C Hybridization: sp3
Structure: Tetrahedral
C C-C bond length: 1.545 Ao
Band gap: 5.47 eV
C C
Hardness: 10 Mhos
C C
C C C Density: 3.5 gm/cc
Electrical property: Insulator
Graphite Hybridization: sp2
Structure: Planar
(hexagonal)
C-C bond length: 1.421 Ao
Band gap: -0.04 eV
Hardness: 1 to 2 Mho
Density: 2.2 gm/cc
The distance between two
layers: 0.3354 nm
Graphene Hybridization: sp2
Structure: Planar
C-C bond length: 1.42 Ao
Surface Area: 2630 m2/gm.

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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2. What are fullerenes? Explain the Krätschmer and Huffman method of

synthesis of fullerenes with a neat diagram and properties and
applications.

SYNTHESIS OF FULLERENES by KRÄTSCHMER-HUFFMAN (KH) EXPERIMENT

Graphite

He atmosphere 100 Torr

Cathode
+ Anode V
Fullerene soot Voltage: 20-25 V, Current 50-120 Amperes

It is a straightforward and low cost method for generating large quantities of fullerene
containing carbon soot. It consists of a chamber which is filled with helium gas at a
pressure of 100 torr. An electric arc is produced by a power supply for 10-15 seconds.
This results in the vapourization of graphite to form soot inside the chamber. The
chamber is then cooled for 5-10 minutes and the pressure inside is brought down to
atmospheric pressure. By scraping the deposited soot, around 10% yield of C 60 can be
obtained.

Extraction of Fullerene: Pure C60 is obtained by liquid chromatography. The mixture

is dissolved in toluene and pumped through a column of activated charcoal mixed with
silica gel. The magenta C60 comes off first, followed by the red C70.

3. Comment on the important properties of fullerenes.

Electron Acceptor: It behaves as an electron deficient alkene and therefore reacts

readily with electron rich species. The molecule can readily accept and donate
electrons.

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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Superconductors : Crystalline compounds of C60 with alkali and alkaline earth metals
at above 19 k .
Metal Trapping: Metals can be physically trapped in a fullerene
Solubility of Fullerene: Benzene, toluene and chloroform
Antioxidant: Thermal stability of polymers can be improved by adding fullerene.
Optical limiting Property: Protective eye wear Materials can be prepared.
4. Discuss the applications of fullerenes.

Antioxidants: Fullerenes have high electron affinity and react with a number of
radicals before being consumed.
Antiviral Agents: Fullerenes suppress the replication of the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and delay the onset of acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Drug Delivery and Gene Delivery: Fullerenes transport the pharmaceutical
compound to its site of action.
Organic Solar Cells: Fullerenes act’s like a acceptor in Organic solar cells.
Photosensitizers in Photodynamic Therapy:
Photodynamic Therapy is a form of therapy of using a non-toxic light-
sensitivecompound which, when exposed to light, becomes toxic. Fullerenes get
excited upon irradiation when these molecules return to ground state, they give
off energy that splits the oxygen present to generate singlet oxygen, which can
be cytotoxic in nature.
In Protective Eyewear: Fullerenes have optical limiting properties. This refers to
its ability to decrease the transmittance of light incident to it. These molecules
can, therefore, be used as an optical limiter that can be used in protective
eyewear and sensors.
Lubricant: Oil and Fullerene will act as good lubricant.
Hydrogen Storage Materials: Fullerenes acts like hydrogen storage materials.

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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10. Differentiate SWCNT and MWCNT with appropriate diagrams.

Property Single-Walled Carbon Multi-Walled Carbon

Nanotubes (SWCNT) Nanotubess (MWCNT)

No.of graphene layers One Two and more graphene

layer
Diameter 0.4 to 2 nm 2 to 1000nm
Surface Area ˃1000 m2/gm ˂ 500 m2/gm
Young Modulus 1 to 5 TPa 0.2 to 0.9 TPa
Tensile Strength 13 to 53 GPa 11 to 60 GPa
Morphology Visualization TEM FESEM

11. Explain in detail the thermal method of synthesis of CNTs with a neat
diagram.

CVD method, also called as thermal CVD, consists of forming carbon nanotubes
by decomposing an organic gas over a substrate coated with metal catalyst
nanomaterial.

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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Heating coils

CNTs

500- 900 OC

C2H2 + N2 +H2 Quartz tube

Gases Vacuum
Substrate - Zeolite-Fe/Ni
Fig : Thermal CVD

Thermal CVD method consists of a quartz tube enclosed in a furnace. The

substrate made of silica, mica, quartz or alumina on which the CNTs has to be formed is
placed inside the furnace. The substrate is coated with metal catalyst nanoparticles like
Fe, Co or Ni.

Carbon precursors such as acetylene (C2H2), ethylene (C2H4) or methane (CH4)

gas is passed into the furnace and the temperature inside is fixed in the range of 500-
900ᵒC, at this temp. gas decomposition occurs. temperature. At these temperatures, the
carbon precursor starts to dissolve in the metal catalyst till the point of super saturation.
The saturated carbon starts to precipitate in the form of cylinders which are called the
carbon nanotubes. The diameter of the tube is determined by the size of the
nanoparticles used as the catalyst. Thermal CVD can be used to produce both
SWCNTs and MWCNTs.

12. Explain laser ablation method of synthesis of CNTs with a diagram.

Laser ablation method consists of a furnace, a quartz tube with a window on one
side and a graphite target doped with metal catalyst such as cobalt or nickel at the
center of the tube. An argon flow system is maintained at a constant pressure and flow
rate. A water-cooled copper collector is present outside the furnace.

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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Fig: Laser Ablation Method

A laser beam of a pulsed or continuous Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped-Yttrium

Aluminium Garnet, Nd:Y3Al5O12) or CO2 is introduced through the window by focusing
onto the target located in the center of the furnace. The furnace temperature is
maintained at 1200 oC. Due to the emission of a pulsed or continuous laser, the target
is vaporized in high temperature. This leads to the formation of small carbon molecules
and atoms. The argon gas then sweeps the carbon atoms from the high temperature
zone to the colder copper collector where they condense to form carbon nanotubes.
The argon flow rate and pressure are typically 1cm/sec and 500 Torr respectively.

Laser ablation method has several advantages such as high quality single walled
carbon nanotubes can be produced, diameter of the nanotubes can be controlled and
growth dynamics can be followed.

13. Discuss the mechanical properties of CNTs.

CNTs also have unique thermal and mechanical properties that render them with
highly beneficial properties for the development of new materials.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES CNTs

Tensile strength:
It is a measure of the amount of stress needed to pull a material. CNTs are very
strong. The tensile strength of CNTs is 100 times stronger than that of steel of the
same diameter. There are two things accounts for greater strength of CNTs

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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(i) The strength is provided by the interlocking of carbon-carbon covalent

bonds
(ii) Each CNT is one large molecule. It means that, it does not have any
weak spots like grain boundaries, dislocation etc. Which all the other
materials have.
Young’s Modulus:
It is a measure of how stiff or flexible (elastic) a material is. The larger the value
of Young’s modulus, the less flexible the material. CNTs have Young’s modlus ranging
from 1.28 to 1.80 TPa. One terapascal is a pressure very close to 107 times of
atmospheric pressure. The Young’s modulus of steel 0.21 TPs, which means that
Young’s Modulus of CNTs is almost 5 to 10 times of steel. That is, CNTs are very stiff
and hard to bend.

Thermal Conductivity:
CNTs do not heat or cool really well, because they have high thermal
conductivity. It has been predicted that, thermal conductivity of CNTs is ten times that of
silver. In metals, thermal conductivity depends upon the movement of electrons to
conduct heat while CNTs conduct heat by vibration of covalent bonds holding the
carbon atoms together (i.e. themselves are wiggling around and transmitting the heat
through the material). Further the stiffness of carbon bond helps to transmit their
vibration throughout the nanotubes, providing very good thermal conductivity.

Density:
CNTs are light weight with a density of about ¼ that of steel and ½ of that
aluminium. The density of CNTs is 1.33-1.44 gm/cc.

14. Elaborate on the electrical properties of CNTs with respect to chirality.

Electrical properties of CNTs

Carbon nanotubes can be both metallic or semiconducting, depending opon the

helicity (chirality) and diameter of the nanotubes. Helicity referes to rolling fo hexagonal
chains with respect to the tubes axis. Helicity results in three different kinds of CNTs.
They are armchair, zig-zag and chiral nanotubes.

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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n =0 (0,0) (1,0) (2,0) (3,0) (4,0) (5,0) (6,0) Zig-Zag

a
n =1
(1,1) (2,1) (3,1) (4,1) (5,1)

n =2 (2,2) (3,2) (4,2) (5,2)

n =3 (3,3) (4,3)
Chiral
n =4 (4,4)
(m,n) Armchair
b
Metallic Semiconducting
b = Rolling axis a = Rolling axis

Here m = 0,1,2,3,............... etc. and Rolling vector, C = na + mb

Fig. Schematic representation of rolling graphene sheet and Based on its rolling axis
Zig-Zag, Chiral and Arm chair CNTs

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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Table . Theoretical electronic conductivity of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)

depending on roll orientation of the graphene sheet (m, n).
(m, n) Form of CNTs Electrical Conductivity

Metallic properties dominate when

mn
m  n  0 or  integer
(m, 0) 3
Otherwise, zig-zag form is semiconducting. This
Zig-Zag
zig-zag form is tubes show very small band gap
due to the replacement of hexagonal carbon ring
with a pentagonal or heptagonal rings at the edges
of CNT.

All armchair tubes or (m,n) tubes are metallic

because of their symmetry.
(m, n) Ex: (1,1), (2,2), (3,3), (4,4) or (n,n) tubes are
metallic.
It is estimated that they can carry billion amperes of
current per spare centimetre. The coper wire fails
Arm-Chair
at one million amperes of current per square
centimetre because resistive heating melts the wire.

Metallic properties dominate, when

(m, n) 2m  n
 integer
when 3
m ≠ 0, Otherwise chiral form is semiconducting.
and n Chiral

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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Material Electrical conductivity Thermal conductivity

S/m W/(m.K)
CNTs 106 to 107 ˃3000
Copper 5.96 x107 400
Silver 6.30 x 107 429

15. Write in detail the various applications of CNTs.

i) Catalyst supports: CNTs can be sued a catalyst supports because they can
provide higher surface areas and high chemical stability and controlled
surface chemistry.
ii) Hydrogen storage: Recently carbon nanotubes have been proposed to store
hydrogen in hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.
iii) AFM Probe tips: To characterize surface of material ‘Probes” are used.
CNTs are widely used a materials for the manufacture of AFM (Atomic Force
Microscope) Probes.
iv) Drug Delivery: CNTs can be widely used as drug carriers for drug deliver, as
they can easily adapt themselves and enter the nuclei of the cell.
v) Actuator/Artificial Muscles: An actuator is a device that can induce motion. In
the case of a carbon nanotube actuator, electrical energy is converted to
mechanical energy causing the nanotubes to move.
vi) Chemical Senosrs/Biosensors: Devices used to detect changes in physical
and chemical quantities are called sensors. CNTs act as sensing materials in
pressure, thermal, gas, optical, mass, position, stress, strain, chemical and
biological sensors.
vii) Field Emission: The high current density, low turn-on and operating voltage
and steady, long-lived behaviour make CNTs ideal field emitter.
viii)Touch Screens: Very thin CNT films (10 or 20nm) are transparent to visible
light and can conduct enough electricity to make them useful for many

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.
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applications which include thin film solar cells, organic LEDs and touch
screens.
ix) Structural and Mechanical Applications: CNTs are characterized with superior
mechanical properties such as stiffness, toughness and strength. These
properties lead in the production of very strong, lightweight materials that can
be sued in areas such as building, structural engineering and aerospace.
x) Aerospace Components: CNTs have good fatigue strength over a long time
which makes use of them as aircraft components.

Prepared by Dr. K. Chennakesavulu,

Dept. of Chemistry, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
(Deemed to be University), Chennai.