Exploring Uses of Buckminsterfullerene (C60)

  • Thread starter caumaan
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In summary, the conversation discussed the potential uses of buckminsterfullerene, also known as buckyballs and bucky tubes. Some ideas mentioned were drug delivery systems, disease treatment, high-strength cables, and lubricants. Further research is being conducted by companies like CNano and IBM. Overall, the government has supported research on bucky tubes, but it is unlikely to have a significant impact on individual tax bills.
  • #1
caumaan
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Hi, all!

I was just looking at a list of materials and applications. I came across buckminsterfullerene, with none listed. Just wondering if anybody had some ideas as to how it could be used.


In case you were wondering, the buckyballs is C60, all atoms formed in a pattern resembling a number of hexagons attached to each other.


Thank you!
 
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  • #2
Latest ideas are for drug delivery systems, where the drug would be trapped in the structure and then released when the body breaks down the molecule.

Also have been used to treat disease, in the opposite way. Virus or whatever enters the C60 and gets trapped, dies.

There is also a strong research effort into making strands of them for high-strength cables. I don't personally think this will ever work out, but they still spend my tax money on it.
 
  • #3
Bucky balls and Bucky tubes

They are looking into bucky balls as a lubricant. Bucky tubes have many more uses than superstrong strands. This company produces bucky tubes for further research. http://www.cnanotech.com/ IBM and others are doing research on using bucky tubes for computer chips. While the government has spent some money on research, and has proposed further funding, I doubt that it has affected your tax bill too much.
 

1. What is Buckminsterfullerene (C60)?

Buckminsterfullerene (C60) is a molecule composed of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical shape, resembling a soccer ball. It was discovered in 1985 by scientists Richard Smalley, Robert Curl, and Harold Kroto, who named it after the architect Buckminster Fuller due to its resemblance to his geodesic dome designs.

2. What are the potential uses of Buckminsterfullerene (C60)?

Buckminsterfullerene (C60) has a wide range of potential uses in various industries, including medicine, electronics, and energy. It has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential candidate for drug delivery and therapy. It also has high tensile strength and conductivity, making it useful in the development of new electronic devices. Additionally, it can be used in solar cells and batteries due to its ability to absorb and store energy.

3. How is Buckminsterfullerene (C60) produced?

Buckminsterfullerene (C60) can be produced in several ways, including laser vaporization, arc discharge, and chemical synthesis. The most common method is by heating a graphite rod in a chamber filled with helium gas, which causes the carbon atoms to form into C60 molecules.

4. Is Buckminsterfullerene (C60) safe for human use?

While Buckminsterfullerene (C60) has shown potential in medical applications, its safety for human use is still being studied. Some studies have shown potential toxicity in certain forms of C60, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human health.

5. What is the current research on Buckminsterfullerene (C60)?

Currently, scientists are exploring the potential uses of Buckminsterfullerene (C60) in various fields, including medicine, energy storage, and environmental remediation. Research is also being conducted to better understand its properties and potential risks. Additionally, there is ongoing research on how to efficiently produce C60 on a large scale for commercial use.

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