Physics of Fullerene

Fullerenes are unique molecules made entirely of carbon, shaped like hollow spheres, ellipsoids, or tubes. The most famous fullerene is the soccer ball-shaped C60. They have special properties due to their structure, such as strength, electrical conductivity, and the ability to trap other atoms inside. This makes them interesting for a range of applications, from materials science to medicine. The arrangement of atoms in fullerenes creates a stable form of carbon, highlighting how molecular structure influences physical properties. Their discovery expanded our understanding of carbon allotropes, alongside graphite and diamond.