Carbon and nanoparticles
This section of the syllabus looks specifically at the allotropes of carbon in terms of understanding the differences in structure, and the way that the structural motifs can be used to explain the macroscopic properties of each form of carbon. Students will often meet diamond and graphite first as examples of giant covalent structures. This is then extended to look at graphene, which in essence, is a single layer of graphite but has quite different properties, and this can be difficult for students to understand.
Students need to appreciate that whilst fullerenes are another allotrope of carbon, their solids have a simple covalent (molecular) structure and not a giant covalent structure, since fullerenes are molecules, albeit large molecules. This is another common source of confusion for students and molecular modeling software can be very helpful in enabling students to visualise the difference between the fullerenes and other allotropes of carbon.
Other aspects relating to the bonding of carbon and the richness it displays in terms of the enormous structural variety of organic molecules is addressed in the lists on organic chemistry.
This list also covers nanoparticles, their nature, applications and potential risks. Students need to appreciate that the extremely small size of nanoparticles gives them a very large surface area to volume ratio and that this can mean that their properties differ from those of the bulk material from which they are formed.
A number of interesting resources are included to reflect the huge range of applications of nanoparticles. The included resources do not necessarily reflect the examples chosen by any particular syllabus and are illustrative of the richness of this area of technology.
Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or other recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to Health and Safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance
New Materials and Nanotechnology
Although this resource is about microspheres which are not nanoparticles, this set of videos and follow up resources are useful in showing how materials are being developed to solve real world problems.
Quick Guide: Nanotechnology
This teacher guide is a good introduction to research and uses of nanoparticles and particularly relevant to the triple science curriculum. It is worth noting that some information may now be out of date.
Super-Skinny Material That Could Transform Electronics
A short article about graphene and some potential uses in industry.
Carbon *suitable for home teaching*
This short video introduces the importance of carbon and its vital role in sustaining life on the planet. It also discusses the allotropes of carbon and touches on climate change.
Carbon and Phosphorus
In this short video Nobel prize winner Sir Harry Kroto discusses his discovery of buckminsterfullerene, and the C60 molecules from which it is composed, perhaps better and more affectionately known as bucky balls.
Nanotechnology *suitable for home teaching*
This is an interesting article that looks at different ways that nanotechnology may be developed and touches on some of the pros and cons. It would provide a good starting point for research into nanotechnology.
Professional Knowledge: Chemistry
This fascinating video was developed as a professional development resource, but some of it would be suitable to use with students. The video looks at advances in chemical techniques and research and, although some of the research may have moved on now, it is still a good resource for teaching nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology Menu
A set of resources taking a closer look at nanotechnology. The first worksheet looks at scale which would be useful at the start of the topic. The other worksheets look at specific uses of nanotechnology and would work well as extension activities or homeworks.