GCSE · Chemistry · AQA · Spec 8462

Graphene and fullerenes

Start with the shape

GraphenevsFullerenes

Use structure first: it is the fastest way to separate graphene from fullerenes.

Focus

Basic structure

Graphene

A single layer of graphite

Fullerenes

Hollow molecules of carbon atoms

The insight

Graphene is identified by its single-layer structure, whereas the defining clue for a fullerene is a hollow carbon shape.

Structural pattern

Graphene

One layer

Fullerenes

Based on hexagonal carbon rings, sometimes with five- or seven-carbon rings

Named forms

Graphene

Graphene

Fullerenes

C60 and carbon nanotubes

Use connection

Graphene

Useful in electronics and composites

Fullerenes

Carbon nanotubes are useful in nanotechnology, electronics and materials

Relationship matrix

Tap any cell to reveal it. Tap a column header to read one property down every item.

Structure clueRecognition clue
Graphenesingle layer
C60fullerene
Carbon nanotubefullerene

Each cell hides a short answer and the reason behind it. Predict before you tap.

Recognise the carbon structure

Turn a diagram or description into an identification by following the clues.

Predict from the description

Commit to the structure before revealing the answer.

A carbon molecule is hollow, cylindrical and much longer than its diameter. What is it?

Reason from structure to use

Problem

A diagram shows a cylindrical fullerene with a very high length to diameter ratio. Identify the structure and connect it to its uses.

WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED

A quick recap of today's lesson.

Learn to recognise carbon as a single layer, hollow sphere or long cylindrical fullerene.

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How this lesson was checked. This AQA GCSE Chemistry (specification 8462)lesson was published through Lightbulb Learning's human-designed editorial process — the educational standards, accuracy rules and publication checks it must pass were authored and approved by Philip Halpin. It passed subject-specific assessment, automated educational checks and technical publication verification before going live (publication checks completed 13 August 2026). Published pages are monitored, human spot-checking is ongoing across the lesson library, and anything found wrong is corrected or withdrawn. How our lessons are made and checked. Spotted a mistake? Email hello@lightbulblearning.co and we'll review it.