Chemistry Level 2 Giant covalent structures and nanomaterials

Giant covalent structures - 1 Diamond and graphite are forms of carbon with giant covalent structures. Fullerenes are another form of carbon used to form nanotubes.

Giant covalent structures - 2 Thermosoftening polymers do not have cross links between chains. They can be melted. So they can be recycled

Giant covalent structures - 3 Thermosetting plastics have long chains with cross-links This holds the chains in place and makes the plastic rigid – so they can’t be recycled

Nanoparticles Fullerenes are examples of nanoparticles Nanoparticles are made up of a few hundred atoms They measure between one nanometre and 100 nanometres across

Nanoparticles are useful Nanotubes have very large surface areas compared with their volumes so make excellent catalysts Nanotubes can be used to reinforce tennis rackets because they are so strong and stiff, yet light Fullerene cages can deliver dangerous drugs to the site of a tumour or infection Nanoparticles are being used for self-cleaning ovens and windows