Fullerenes are a class of carbon allotropes with atomic-scale hollow cage structures. Each fullerene molecule consists of a number of carbon atoms joined together in a spheroidal configuration. The most common and best known fullerene is the buckyball, which has 60 carbon atoms arranged in a truncated icosahedral (soccer ball-like) shape. Other well-known fullerenes include the 70-atom C70 “buckytube” and the fulleranes, which consist of extended cages composed of hexagonal or pentagonal rings.
Fullerenes were first discovered in 1985 by Harold Kroto, Richard Smalley, and Robert Curl, who were awarded the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their discovery. They have since been found naturally occurring on Earth as products of combustion processes, but are more commonly produced synthetically for use in various applications.
The unique structure of fullerenes imparts them with several interesting properties that make them useful in a variety of fields. For instance, because they can act as electron acceptors, they find use as components in solar cells and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Additionally, their strength and stability makes them ideal candidates for use as nanomachines or drug delivery vehicles. Finally, because they exhibit unique optical properties depending on their size and shape, they have potential applications in optoelectronics.
Given their versatile nature and wide range of potential applications, it is not surprising that research into fullerenes is ongoing across the globe. As we continue to learn more about these fascinating molecules, it is likely that even more uses for them will be uncovered.