Granulene
Granulene is a carbon allotrope, a form of pure carbon with a unique atomic structure. It is characterized by its cage-like structure, similar to fullerenes but with a different arrangement of carbon atoms. Specifically, granulene is composed of fused pentagons and hexagons, forming a closed or spherical molecule. Its discovery and characterization have been areas of significant interest in materials science and chemistry due to the potential for novel electronic and mechanical properties.
The synthesis of granulene typically involves high-temperature processes, often utilizing plasma techniques or specialized carbon sources.
Due to its novel structure, granulene is being investigated for a range of potential applications. These include