2.2.7 Giant Covalent Structures
Silicon, Silicon Dioxide, and Carbon Allotropes.
Carbon Allotropes
| Feature | Diamond | Graphite | Graphene | C₆₀ Fullerene |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 3D Network | Layered | Single Sheet | Sphere |
| Bonds per C | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Conductivity | No | Yes | Yes (Very High) | Semi |
Carbon Nanotubes: Cylindrical fullerenes with extraordinary tensile strength and conductivity properties.
Silicon (Si)
Tetrahedral lattice structure identical to Diamond. Each Si bonded to 4 others. Semiconductor.
Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂)
Giant covalent network (Sand/Quartz). Each Si bonded to 4 O, each O bonded to 2 Si. Strong, high MP, non-conductive.