Diamond, Graphite, Fullerenes, Carbon Nano-tubes and Graphene

Diamond

Diamond is a form of carbon where each atom is bonded tetrahedrally to four others, forming a three-dimensional, rigid lattice.
It boasts of a high melting point owing to these strong covalent bonds that needs a substantial amount of energy to break.
It is extremely hard material, which makes it suitable for use in cutting tools.
It conducts heat very well because the strong covalent bonds can sustain vibrations through the structure.
As opposed to metals or graphite, Diamond doesn’t conduct electricity as it lacks free electrons.

Graphite has a layered structure. The bonds within layers are strong, but the forces between the layers (van der Waals forces) are weak, allowing layers to slide over one another.
It contains delocalised electrons, which allows graphite to conduct electricity and render it useful for electrode material in batteries.
Despite its weak inter-layer forces, Graphite has a high melting point owing to the strong covalent bonds.
It is soft and slippery, making it a good lubricant.

Fullerenes are formed of carbon atoms bonded together in rings, which create spherical or cylindrical structures.
This structure allows them to encapsulate other molecules, leading to usage in delivering targeted drugs within the human body.
Fullerenes can conduct electricity as some electrons are left free within the molecular structure
The unique shapes and their ability to form solution with various ranges of substances make them suitable for nanotechnology applications like creating superconductors.

Carbon Nano-tubes are essentially rolled up sheets of graphene, forming hollow tubes with high aspect ratios.
These exhibit exceptional strength and are good conductors of electricity making them ideal in the fields of materials science, nanotechnology, optics and electronics.
Carbon nano-tubes are noted for their high tensile strength and thermal conductivity.

Graphene is a single layer of graphite, essentially a one-atom thick plane of tightly packed carbon atoms.
It has excellent conductive properties and is an efficient conductor of heat and electrical charge.
Graphene is incredibly strong for its weight but still maintains a degree of flexibility.
It is almost transparent, making it suitable for use within electronic devices such as LCD screens.
Its unusual properties, like large surface area and high thermal conductivity, make it suitable for use in various fields, including sensors and solar cells.