What is Carbon – A Complete Guide

Carbon is among the most abundant chemical element. Besides, it forms the primary element in many engineering material.

In this guide, we will look at every detail about carbon, and its critical role in the engineering materials. From isotopes, allotropies, carbon compounds and practical uses.

Let’s dive right in:

What is Carbon?

Carbon is an essential resource, particularly for researchers and factories dealing with metallurgy and steelmaking, among other essential applications.

This remarkable non-metallic compound can generate a myriad of different compounds, making it a versatile and highly demanded element.

It is essential to human life and stands out as a key ingredient to most of the products you utilize on a daily. Carbon comes with multifaceted importance as is outlined below.

• Key ingredient of essential elements like graphite and diamond
• Acts as a source of energy in the energy production industry
• An essential puzzle piece in the formation of organic molecules
• Plays an essential role in the formation of molecules, which ultimately facilitate the production of other compounds and polymers
• It is a pivotal ingredient in the production of metals like steel as well as alloys

Carbon Atomic Structure

Carbon is often regarded as the heart or building block of most compounds that are pivotal in your everyday life.

It is a highly sought-after element because it possesses unique qualities only a few elements boast of. These attributes are a consequence of its distinct carbon atomic structure.

· Carbon Atomic Number

On the periodic table, carbon is designated number 6, which is a unique number depicting its electron and proton configuration. In its natural form, it boasts of 12 protons and electrons, both equally shared within the nucleus.

This outstanding compound often forms four covalent bonds since its secondary shell supports 4 electrons while its primary shell supports 2 electrons.

· Electron Configurations

Inscribed as 1s² 2s² 2p², this electron configuration gives you a glimpse of how the electrons in carbon are set up and structured. 1s² depicts the two electrons accommodated in the first orbital, while 2s² depicts the twin electrons supported by the second orbital.

The first orbital exhibits the lowest energy levels while the second orbital is comparatively stronger. The 2p orbitals, which are essentially three in number house the remaining 2 electrons.

· Carbon Electrons, Neurons and Protons

The makeup of carbon atoms is comprised of particles, which exist in three distinct forms.

• Electrons: These negatively charged particles reside in the shells of the nucleus and they are responsible for the chemical behavior of a carbon atom. Electrons also play a significant role in determining how the carbon atoms bond with other atoms. They however have a relatively inferior mass compared to protons and neutrons.
• Protons: Endowed with a positive charge and a comparatively greater mass, these particles are primarily responsible for the carbon’s ultimate atom mass. They reside in the nucleus and are essentially 6 and their number directly determines the atomic number.
• Neutrons: Unlike the electrons and protons, these particles hold no charge hence the name neutrons. They however hold a greater mass and the difference in their number is responsible for the variation in carbon isotopes.

Properties of Carbon

Carbon is universally renowned and revered for its dramatically distinct features, which are well depicted in its different allotropes. It possesses a plethora of impressive qualities making it one of the most highly sought-after elements. These attributes include;

• Electrical conductivity: Carbon demonstrates varying degrees of electrical conductivity depending on the form it is in and the other elements bonded to it. For instance, in diamonds, it exhibits low conductivity while in graphite it demonstrates relatively higher conductivity.
• Lightness: It naturally weighs less making it indispensable in applications prioritizing reduced weight.
• Hardness: The distinct allotropes of carbon demonstrate varying degrees of hardness and this is a consequence of carbon’s atomic arrangement.
• Thermal Conductivity: It transmits and dissipates heat with great ease.
• Porosity: Activated carbon contains holes that make it permeable.

Types of Carbon Isotopes

Carbon isotopes are distinct derivatives of carbon characterized by a similar number of protons but an uneven number of neutrons. As such, they exhibit varying atomic masses. They are;

· Carbon-12

Designated as ¹²C, this carbon isotope is renowned for its stability, which protects it from radioactive decay. It has a cumulative mass of 12 thanks to its 6 protons and 6 neutrons. Of all the carbon isotopes found in nature, carbon-12 is undoubtedly the most prevalent accounting for approximately 98.9%.

· Carbon-13

¹³C accounts for approximately 1.1% of nature’s carbon and its use is primarily limited to NMR spectroscopy and metabolic studies. Its makeup comprises 7 neutrons and 6 protons making it slightly heavier than its ¹²C counterpart. It is also quite stable and this qualifies its use in several organic and inorganic uses.

· Carbon-14

This isotope differs from the other carbon isotopes in terms of stability. It is essentially the unstable isotope that is susceptible to radioactive decay. Although its proton number is similar to that of the other isotopes, it features 8 neutrons. This gives it a mass of number of 14 making it essential in radiocarbon dating and archeology.

Examples of Carbon Allotropes

Carbon allotropes are distinct manifestations of carbon differentiated by a difference in their chemical and/or physical attributes. This difference is often a consequence of the dissimilarity in the arrangement of their atoms. Some renowned carbon allotropes include;

· Graphite

This carbon allotrope comprises strongly firmly bonded atoms configured in multiple layers, which are consequently configured in hexagonal lattices.

The bondage holding these layers together is however comparatively weaker and this allows the use of graphite as a lubricant since they slide over each other. Graphite flourishes in the production of batteries, pencils, electrodes, and lubricants.

· Diamond

This is the hardest variant of carbon allotropes and it is broadly utilized to manufacture robust cutting tools.  It is characterized by a tetrahedral configuration, which is brought about by the covalent linking of four carbon atoms to a single atom.

In addition to being extremely firm and resilient, diamond boasts of a superior melting point and is more than capable of conducting thermal heat.

· Graphene

Characterized by a slender and honeycomb-like skeleton, this carbon allotrope demonstrates exceptional strength often surpassing steel 200 times.

Graphenemakeup consists of carbon atoms aligned in a singular tier hence it is often regarded as the single-layer graphite.

Its impressive electron mobility coupled with its flexibility has driven its use in flexible electronics and transistors.

What is the Industrial Carbon Manufacturing Process

· Acquire Your Raw Material

To make synthetic carbon fibers, you will need to acquire and assemble all necessary ingredients or raw materials. You will need a carbon-based mineral such as graphite, fossil fuel such as coal, and organic matter.

· Process your Ingredients

Once you have acquired all the requisite materials, proceed to fine-tune them for manufacturing. First, ensure they are not too chunky by cutting them into smaller pieces, then clean them to eradicate any existing impurities.

· Pyrolysis

Subsequently transfer your well-prepared ingredients into a closed container and make certain all entry points that could let oxygen in are sealed. Proceed to heat these materials at temperatures in the range of 400°C to 1000°C. This will leave you with char, gases like methane and tar.

· Activate Your Carbon

If you are looking to manufacture carbon with filtration and adsorption capabilities, you will need to improve its permeability. Simply subject the material generated from step 3 to extreme heat (approximately 700 °C -1000 °C). Alternatively, treat this material with activation chemicals like zinc chloride.

· Cool Your Carbon

After carbonization or activation, treat your carbon material to lower temperatures to cool it off. Consequently, grind or sieve it until it conforms to your customer’s requirements.

Carbon Fabrication Products Example

You most likely interact with carbon products on a daily and in different forms. There are countless products featuring carbon as the primary element. They include;

• Carbon Fiber Composites: e.g. C/C Crucibles, Heat Shields, Carrier Trays for PECVD, and Sliding Components
• Carbon Brush
• Carbon Black Products: e.g. printing ink, paints and coatings, tires, and plastics
• Activated Carbon Products: e.g. water filters, gas masks, and air purifiers
• Carbon nanotubes
• Lubricants

Industrial Uses of Carbon

When carbon is mentioned, most people think of charcoal and this proves how underrated carbon is. Carbon is, however, the pillar of infinite industrial innovations. These innovations include;

• Carbon Brush in Motors
• Fishing Rods
• Tennis Rackets
• Jewelry
• Cutting tools
• Construction tools
• Electronics
• Water and air filters
• Lubricants

FAQ

What is the Difference Between Carbon and Graphite?

As much as graphite is a variant of pure carbon, it depicts several dissimilar attributes to carbon.

This carbon allotrope has a distinct crystalline structure and is highly effective at conducting heat and electricity. Carbon can be tremendously hard whereas graphite is inherently soft. This table summarizes these differences;

Conclusion

Despite carbon’s simplicity as an element on the periodic table, you cannot undervalue its power and role in past and modern inventions. Its ability to generate varying compounds and components including diamond and graphite not only proves its essence but also its versatility.