A carbon allotrope that can scratch diamond

Molecular structure of buckminsterfullerene

Source: © Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

The amorphous carbon material created from buckminsterfullerene

Applying high temperatures and pressure to buckminsterfullerene C60 produces amorphous carbon materials with a compressive strength similar to diamond, scientists have found.

Download the accompanying starter slide to use with your class and give a new context when studying the different forms of carbon allotropes and giant covalent structures with your 14–16 students.

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