Carbon

Carbon
See also: Carbides

Carbon (C) is a fundamental element with a unique ability to form diverse allotropes including graphite, graphene, diamond, and amorphous forms. With atomic number 6 and atomic weight ~12.01 u, elemental carbon exhibits exceptional bonding versatility, enabling both sp² and sp³ hybridization. Its properties make it indispensable in structural materials, energy systems, electronics, and advanced nanotechnology research.

Goodfellow provides a specialized range of carbon (C) materials, including Graphene, Graphite Carbon Powder, and Flexible Graphite Foil, tailored for advanced laboratory research and industrial use. These materials are valued for their high thermal conductivity, excellent electrical properties, and lightweight strength, making them essential in aerospace, electronics, renewable energy, and composite material applications. Researchers and engineers use our carbon products to develop efficient energy storage systems, fabricate advanced materials, and enhance high-performance engineering processes. Our carbon-based solutions support innovations in nanotechnology, semiconductor research, additive manufacturing, and high-temperature industrial processes, catering to the precise needs of university labs and R&D teams worldwide.



General Properties

PropertyValue
SymbolC
Atomic Number6
Atomic Mass12.011 u
Density~2.267 g/cm³ (graphite)
Crystal StructureVaries: hexagonal (graphite), cubic (diamond)
Melting Point~3550 °C (sublimation)
Boiling Point~4027 °C

Mechanical Properties

PropertyValue
Hardness1–2 (graphite), 10 (diamond) Mohs
Tensile StrengthUp to 130 GPa (graphene)
Young’s Modulus1.0 TPa (graphene)

Chemical Properties

PropertyValue
Electronegativity2.55 (Pauling scale)
Oxidation States−4, −2, +2, +4
ReactivityForms oxides (CO, CO₂), carbides, halides
IdentifierValue
SymbolC
Atomic Number6
CAS Number7440‑44‑0
UN NumberUN1362
EINECS Number231‑955‑3
IsotopeTypeNotes
C‑12Stable98.9% abundance
C‑13Stable1.1% abundance
C‑14RadioactiveHalf-life ~5,730 years (carbon dating)

Scientific Applications

Use CaseDescription
Nanomaterials ResearchCarbon-based nanostructures like graphene and nanotubes are foundational in material science studies.
Spectroscopy & MicroscopyCarbon films and grids are used in TEM/SEM imaging and calibration standards.
Quantum DevicesGraphene and carbon allotropes are being explored for quantum sensors and transistors.
Supercapacitor DevelopmentActivated carbon is used in electrodes for supercapacitors in energy storage research.
Biological LabelingCarbon dots and nanoparticles are applied in bioimaging and biosensing research.

Industrial Applications

Use CaseDescription
Battery ElectrodesGraphite is widely used in lithium-ion and other electrochemical battery systems.
Thermal ManagementGraphite and pyrolytic carbon are employed in heat sinks and thermal interfaces.
Gasket and Seal ProductionFlexible graphite is ideal for chemical-resistant, high-temperature sealing.
Refractory ComponentsRigid graphite materials are used in furnaces, molds, and crucibles.
EMI ShieldingCarbon composites are utilized in electronics for electromagnetic interference protection.
Material Structure Thermal Conductivity Electrical Conductivity Primary Uses
Pure Carbon Elemental C, variable forms Varies by allotrope Varies by allotrope Base for composites, research
Graphite Layered sp² 150–300 W/m·K ~200,000 S/m Batteries, lubricants
Rigid Graphite Composite, crosslinked 200–400 W/m·K High Fixtures, molds
Flexible Graphite Compressed foil 100–200 W/m·K Moderate Gaskets, seals
Pyrolytic Graphite Layered, pyro-deposited 700–1500 W/m·K Very high UHV, heat sinks
HOPG-ZYH Highly oriented graphite 1500–2000 W/m·K Very high Scientific research
Graphene Single atom layer Up to 5000 W/m·K ~600,000 S/m Nanoelectronics, sensors
Synonym
Elemental Carbon
Graphitic Carbon
Graphene
Graphite
Diamond