Advanced Carbon Structures and Silicon
Graphene is essentially a single sheet of graphite - one atom thick but incredibly strong. Each carbon atom forms strong covalent bonds with three neighbours in hexagonal arrangements. Despite being just one atom thick, it's 200 times stronger than steel yet 5 times lighter than aluminium.
This nano-material combines high elasticity, flexibility, and low density with exceptional strength. Its delocalised electrons make it highly conductive, opening possibilities in energy storage, construction, healthcare, and electronic sensors.
Silicon mirrors diamond's structure - each silicon atom shares four electrons with four neighbours through covalent bonds. All electrons are localised (not mobile), making silicon a poor conductor compared to metals. However, it maintains diamond-like properties including hardness and high melting points.
Silicon's macromolecule structure with strong covalent bonds throughout makes it essential for electronics and computing. Its controlled conductivity properties, somewhere between metals and non-metals, define modern semiconductor technology.
Future focus: Graphene and silicon represent how understanding atomic structure leads to revolutionary materials and technologies.