Buckyballs (fullerenes)

Buckyballs, also known as fullerenes, are a form of carbon molecules shaped like hollow spheres or capsules, resembling tiny soccer balls. They consist of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a symmetrical, cage-like structure called a truncated icosahedron. Discovered in 1985, buckyballs are notable for their stability and unique properties, such as high resilience and electrical conductivity. They can be used in various applications like drug delivery, materials science, and nanotechnology due to their ability to encapsulate atoms and withstand extreme conditions, making them a significant discovery in the field of nanomaterials.