fullerene
Noun: A fullerene is a specific molecular form of carbon. Its molecule is a hollow cage-like structure composed entirely of carbon atoms. The most common and famous fullerene is composed of 60 carbon atoms (C₆₀), but the structure can contain 70, 76, 84, or even more carbon atoms.
The word fullerene is used as a countable noun to refer to this class of carbon allotropes. It is a technical term primarily used in chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology. * The discovery of fullerene molecules revolutionized nanotechnology. * C₆₀, also known as buckminsterfullerene, is the most stable fullerene. * Researchers are studying the electrical properties of various fullerenes.
- Fullerene chemistry: Refers to the branch of chemistry dedicated to the study of the synthesis, structure, and properties of fullerenes and their derivatives.
- Endohedral fullerene: A type of fullerene that has atoms, ions, or small molecules trapped inside its carbon cage.
- Scientists created an endohedral fullerene containing a nitrogen atom.
- Buckminsterfullerene (n): The specific, soccer-ball-shaped fullerene molecule with 60 carbon atoms (C₆₀). It is named after architect Buckminster Fuller due to its resemblance to his geodesic domes.
- Fullerenic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of fullerenes.
- The material exhibited fullerenic properties.
- Buckyball: An informal, common name for a spherical fullerene molecule, especially C₆₀.
The term fullerene refers exclusively to this specific class of carbon cage molecules. It does not have other general meanings in common usage.
- a form of carbon having a large molecule consisting of an empty cage of sixty or more carbon atoms