Nested fullerene molecules computer graphic Fullerenes are structural forms allotropes of carbon The carbon C atoms spheres are bonded together in a football structure based on pentagons and hexagons The first fullerene buckminsterfullerene C was discovered in Since then fullerenes have been synthesised that range from to carbon atoms in size Their novel physical and chemical properties are being exploited to make new catalysts lubricants and superconductors They are also used in nanotechnology
