Fullereeneja

Fullereeneja, often referred to as fullerenes, are a class of molecular structures composed entirely of carbon atoms. They form a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, tube, or planar sheet. The most famous fullerene is buckminsterfullerene, also known as C60, which has a spherical structure resembling a soccer ball. This structure consists of 60 carbon atoms arranged in 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons. Other common fullerenes include C70, which has an ellipsoid shape.

Fullerenes were first discovered in 1985 by Harold Kroto, Robert Curl, and Richard Smalley, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996 for their work. Their discovery opened up a new field of carbon allotrope research. These carbon cage molecules are named after architect Buckminster Fuller, whose geodesic domes share a similar geometric structure.

The unique properties of fullerenes, such as their strength, electronic characteristics, and ability to encapsulate other atoms or molecules, have led to investigations into their potential applications. These include use in advanced materials, drug delivery systems, catalysts, and organic electronics. Research continues to explore the synthesis and functionalization of fullerenes to tailor their properties for specific technological advancements.