Allotrope Gallery

Carbon nanotube space elevator

Carbon nanotube space elevator. Conceptual computer artwork of a cylindrical fullerene (carbon nanotube) rising from the ground to Earth orbit as a precursor to a space elevator. When complete, the elevator would allow people and materials to ascend and descend to and from space. The Sun is seen in the background. The hexagonal carbon structure shown here gives fullerenes, a structural form (allotrope) of carbon, immense strength. Theoretically, a wide range of molecular shapes can be engineered at the molecular level using fullerenes. Such structures are being investigated for a wide range of technological and medical uses

© VICTOR HABBICK VISIONS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Sir Humphry Davy, English chemist

Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829), historical artwork. Davy is best known for his invention of the miner's safety lamp, also known as the Davy lamp, for use in coal mines. In 1807 and 1808, Davy discovered the elements potassium, sodium, calcium, barium, magnesium and strontium. Davy is also credited with the concept of allotropes, elements that are physically different due to their structural arrangements. He proposed that diamond was an allotrope of carbon. He also discovered nitrous oxide or laughing gas, which he suggested could be used as an anaesthetic. Published in Lives of men of letters and science by Henry Brougham, in 1846

© Todd-White Art Photography

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes, TEM

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM). MWNTs are cylindrical fullerene molecules (nanotubes) with multiple outer layers. Fullerenes are a structural form (allotrope) of carbon. These MWNTs are functionalised, meaning different functional groups (groups of atoms which are responsible for a molecule's chemical behaviour) have been grafted on at the surface of the nanotubes. The fact MWNTs have multiple layers means this will not result in unwanted changes in the nanotube's mechanical or electrical properties. Such structures could have a wide range of technological and medical uses. Magnification: x111, 000 when printed 10 centimetres wide

© DAVID MCCARTHY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY