Murad Ali Khan

doi:10.19080/JOJMS.2024.08.555748

Short Communication

A Review Study of Carbon Elements and their Derivatives

Murad Ali Khan*

Department of Computer Engineering, Jeju National University, Republic of Korea

Submitted: June 03, 2024; Published: June 19, 2024

*Corresponding author: Murad Ali khan, Department of Computer Engineering, Jeju National University, Republic of Korea

How to cite this article: Murad Ali Khan*. A Review Study of Carbon Elements and their Derivatives. JOJ Material Sci. 2024; 8(5): 555748. DOI:10.19080/JOJMS.2024.08.555748

Abstract

This review study delves into the Carbon (C) element, examining its global deposits, various forms of existence, historical context, types, chemical structures, mechanical properties, production methods, and applications. It provides in-depth explanations of Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), Graphene, and diamonds. Carbon’s quality (purity) and its derivatives (CNTs, Graphene, Diamond) are significantly influenced by production parameters such as temperature, pressure, and catalyst type. Carbon and its derivatives find extensive applications in electronics, materials science, medicine, and energy. Future experimental research should concentrate on production parameters and their impacts on properties, employing various characterization techniques like XRD, SEM, FT-IR, TGA, DSC, hardness, and tensile strength. Additionally, the paper discusses the environmental impact and future directions of carbon research.

Keywords: Carbon (C) element; Carbon nanotubes (CNTs); Graphene; Diamond; Chemical structures; Production methods; Mechanical properties; Applications; Environmental impact; Future directions

Introduction

Carbon (C) is fundamental to life on Earth and forms the backbone of organic chemistry. Carbon’s versatility is derived from its ability to form stable bonds with many elements, including itself, leading to various structures, from simple molecules like methane (CH4) to complex macromolecules such as proteins and DNA [1]. Carbon exists in several allotropes, each with distinct physical properties, making it a subject of extensive study in natural and synthetic forms [2]. Despite the significant advancements in the understanding and application of carbon allotropes, there remains a need for further research to optimize production methods, enhance material properties, and discover new applications [3]. The rapid development of nanotechnology and materials science continually uncovers new challenges and opportunities for carbon materials [4]. Future studies should focus on the scalability of production processes, environmental impacts, and integration into existing industrial practices. Characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, FT-IR, TGA, DSC, hardness, and tensile strength measurements are essential for understanding the relationship between production parameters and material properties [5].

This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of carbon research, highlight the advancements in production methods, and discuss the potential applications and future directions for carbon allotropes.

Historical Background

Carbon’s history dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was primarily encountered in the form of charcoal and soot [6]. The recognition of Carbon as a distinct element is credited to Antoine Lavoisier in the late 18th century. Over the centuries, the understanding of Carbon has significantly evolved, particularly with the discovery of its various allotropes [7]. Graphite and diamond were the first recognized forms, used respectively as a lubricant and gemstone [8].

In the 20th century, the discovery of fullerenes, Graphene, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) revolutionized materials science. Fullerenes, identified in 1985 by Kroto, Smalley, and Curl, are molecules composed entirely of Carbon, taking the form of hollow spheres, ellipsoids, or tubes [9]. Graphene, isolated in 2004 by Geim and Novoselov, is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice and hailed for its extraordinary mechanical and electrical properties [10]. CNTs, discovered in the early 1990s, are cylindrical structures with remarkable strength and conductivity derived from rolled sheets of Graphene [11].

Chemical Structures and Properties

The unique ability of Carbon to form four covalent bonds leads to a wide array of structural configurations [12]. Diamond, the hardest known natural material, consists of each carbon atom tetrahedrally bonded to four other carbon atoms, forming a threedimensional network [13]. Conversely, Graphite has a planar structure where each carbon atom is bonded to three others in a hexagonal lattice, with weak van der Waals forces holding the layers together, making it soft and slippery [14].

Fullerenes and CNTs introduce new dimensional properties to carbon structures. Fullerenes are closed hollow cages, whereas CNTs can be thought of as graphene sheets rolled into cylinders [15]. These structures exhibit unique mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. With its one-atom-thick planar structure, Graphene boasts exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility [16]. These properties result from the delocalized electrons within its two-dimensional structure, enabling high electron mobility [17].

Production Methods of Carbon Allotropes

The production of carbon allotropes involves various sophisticated techniques. Graphene can be produced by mechanical exfoliation, chemical vapour deposition (CVD), and chemical reduction of graphene oxide [18]. Mechanical exfoliation involves peeling layers from Graphite, while CVD involves decomposing hydrocarbon gases on metal surfaces to form graphene layers [19]. Chemical reduction methods transform graphene oxide into reduced graphene oxide, retaining many of Graphene’s properties [20].

CNTs are typically synthesized using arc discharge, laser ablation, and CVD methods. Arc discharge and laser ablation involve the evaporation of Graphite in high-energy environments, while CVD grows CNTs from gaseous carbon sources on catalytic metal surfaces [21]. The choice of method affects the yield, quality, and type (single-walled or multi-walled) of CNTs produced [22].

Diamonds are synthetically produced using high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) methods and CVD [23]. The HPHT method mimics natural diamond formation by subjecting Carbon to high pressures and temperatures. At the same time, CVD grows diamond films from carbon-rich gases at lower pressures, offering more control over the properties of the produced diamond [24].

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of carbon allotropes are diverse and impressive. With its tetrahedral bonding, Diamond is renowned for its extreme hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and high thermal conductivity [25]. Graphite, though softer, is a good conductor of electricity due to the free movement of electrons within its planes [26].

Graphene’s mechanical strength is extraordinary, with a tensile strength of about 130 GPa and Young’s modulus of around 1 TPa, making it stronger than steel yet lightweight and flexible [27]. CNTs also exhibit remarkable mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and elasticity, which make them ideal for reinforcing materials and developing advanced composites [28].

Applications

The unique properties of carbon allotropes enable a wide range of applications. Graphene’s conductivity and mechanical strength make it suitable for flexible electronics, high-frequency transistors, and energy storage devices. CNTs are used in transistors, conductive films, drug delivery systems, and composite materials as reinforcement. Synthetic diamonds are utilized in cutting and grinding tools, high-precision optics, and electronic devices as heat spreaders [29].