How do fullerenes differ from other forms of carbon?

Fullerenes differ from other forms of carbon due to their unique hollow, cage-like structure.

Fullerenes are a distinct form of carbon that are part of the larger family of carbon allotropes, which also includes diamond and graphite. Unlike these other forms, fullerenes have a unique structure that sets them apart. They are composed of carbon atoms linked together to form a hollow, cage-like structure. This structure can take various shapes, but the most common is a sphere, similar to a football. This is known as a buckminsterfullerene, or 'buckyball', and is made up of 60 carbon atoms.

The structure of fullerenes gives them some unique properties. For example, they can trap other atoms or molecules within their structure, in a process known as encapsulation. This has led to interest in their potential use in drug delivery systems, where they could be used to carry therapeutic agents directly to specific cells or tissues in the body.

Fullerenes also have interesting electrical properties. They can act as superconductors, materials that can conduct electricity without resistance, under certain conditions. This has led to research into their potential use in electronic devices.

In contrast, other forms of carbon have different structures and properties. Diamond, for example, is made up of carbon atoms arranged in a rigid, three-dimensional lattice, which gives it its characteristic hardness. Graphite, on the other hand, is composed of layers of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal patterns, which can slide over each other, making it soft and slippery.

In summary, fullerenes are a unique form of carbon due to their distinctive hollow, cage-like structure, which gives them different properties to other carbon allotropes such as diamond and graphite.