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Graphite as giant covalent molecule from year 2020

Submitted by – Submitted to –

Name : Sumit Saha Dr. Thamina Acter

ID : 2025-1-60-285 Associate professor,

Course : Engineering Chemistry – I Dept. of MPS, EWU

Course Code : CHE109

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Index

TOPIC NAME PASE NO.

1.Introdution 03

2. What is graphite 03-04

3.SOURSES OF GRAPHITE 04-05

4. GRAPFITE AS A GIANT COVALENT MOLECULE 05-06

5. APPLICATION OF GRAPHITE 06-07

6.PROBLEMS COUSED BY GRAPHITE 07

7.CONCLUSION 07-08

8.REFERENCE 08
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Introduction

Graphite is a form of carbon that exists as a giant covalent molecule, characterized by a

unique layered structure. In graphite, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three
other carbon atoms, forming strong hexagonal rings that extend across large two-
dimensional sheets. These sheets, known as graphene layers, are stacked on top of each
other and held together by weak van der Waals forces. This allows the layers to slide
easily over one another, giving graphite its characteristic softness and lubricating
properties. The strong covalent bonds within the layers provide graphite with a very high
melting point and great structural stability. Additionally, each carbon atom has one free
electron, which is delocalized across the layers, making graphite an excellent conductor
of electricity. Due to these properties, graphite is widely used in applications such as
electrodes, lubricants, and pencil leads, making it an important material in both industry
and everyday life.

WHAT IS GRAPHITE

Graphite is a naturally occurring form of carbon known for its layered, crystalline
structure. It consists of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal sheets, where each atom is
bonded to three others by strong covalent bonds. These sheets are stacked loosely, held
together by weak forces, allowing them to slide over each other easily. This gives graphite
its slippery texture and makes it useful as a lubricant and in pencils. Graphite is also a
good conductor of electricity due to the presence of free electrons within its layers. Its
high melting point and chemical stability make it valuable in industrial applications such
as electrodes, batteries, and refractory materials
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Sources of graphite

1. Natural Sources

Found in nature, formed through geological processes.

Metamorphic Rocks – Graphite forms from carbon-rich materials under high temperature
and pressure (e.g., in schist, gneiss, marble).

Igneous Rocks – Occurs in some volcanic and pegmatite deposits.

Coal Seams – Low-grade metamorphism of coal can produce amorphous graphite.

Major Producing Countries – China, India, Brazil, Canada, Madagascar, Mozambique,

etc.
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2. Synthetic Sources

Man-made by heating carbon-rich substances to very high temperatures (about 3000 °C)
in absence of oxygen.

Petroleum Coke – Heated in electric furnaces to produce synthetic graphite.

Coal-Tar Pitch – Often used as a binder and carbon source.

Applications – Batteries, electrodes, aerospace components.

Graphite as a giant covalent molecule

Graphite is a giant covalent molecule composed of layers of carbon atoms bonded

covalently in hexagonal patterns, with delocalized electrons that enable electrical
conductivity. The weak forces between layers give it softness and lubricating properties.

Structure:

Graphite is an allotrope of carbon.

It has a giant covalent structure, meaning it consists of a large number of atoms bonded
together by strong covalent bonds.

In graphite, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms in a
planar hexagonal arrangement, forming layers of hexagonal rings.

These layers are stacked one on top of another.

Bonding:

Each carbon atom forms three strong covalent bonds with three neighboring carbon
atoms.

The fourth electron of each carbon atom is free and delocalized over the whole layer.

These free electrons allow graphite to conduct electricity within the layers.

The layers are held together by weak van der Waals forces (intermolecular forces), which
allows the layers to slide over each other easily.
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Application of Graphite

1. Lubricants: Graphite’s layers can slide over each other easily, so it’s used as a dry
lubricant in machines, locks, and pencils.

2. Pencils: The “lead” in pencils is actually a mixture of graphite and clay. Graphite leaves
marks on paper because its layers slide off easily

3. Electrodes: Because graphite conducts electricity, it is used in electrodes for electric

arc furnaces and batteries.

4. Refractories: Graphite can withstand very high temperatures without melting or

breaking down, so it’s used to make refractory bricks for furnaces.

5. Nuclear Reactors: Graphite is used as a moderator to slow down neutrons in nuclear

reactors.

6. Brake Linings: Its heat resistance and lubricating properties make graphite useful in
brake linings.
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7. Casting and Moulds: Graphite molds are used in metal casting because graphite can
tolerate high temperatures and does not react with molten metals.

8. Graphene Production: Graphite is the starting material to produce graphene, a single

layer of carbon atoms with exceptional strength and conductivity.

Problems Caused by Graphite

1. Health Risks from Dust: Inhaling fine graphite dust over a long period can cause
respiratory issues, such as pneumoconiosis (a lung disease caused by inhaling dust).
Workers in industries that handle graphite powder need proper protection.

2. Environmental Pollution: Graphite mining and processing can lead to environmental

pollution if not managed properly, including water contamination and habitat disruption.

3. Wear and Tear: Graphite’s softness means it can wear away easily in some
applications, which might cause equipment contamination.

4. Electrical Short Circuits: Graphite’s softness means it can wear away easily in some
applications, which might cause equipment contamination.

5. Corrosion in Some Conditions: Graphite’s softness means it can wear away easily in
some applications, which might cause equipment contamination.

Conclusion :

Graphite is an important allotrope of carbon characterized by its giant covalent structure,

where each carbon atom bonds strongly with three others in hexagonal layers. This
unique structure gives graphite several remarkable properties, such as high melting
point, electrical conductivity, and excellent lubricating ability. The layers can slide easily
over each other, which makes graphite soft and useful as a dry lubricant in machinery
and pencils. Its delocalized electrons enable it to conduct electricity, allowing its
application in electrodes, batteries, and electric arc furnaces. Graphite’s high thermal
stability also makes it ideal for refractory bricks and molds used in metal casting.
Additionally, graphite is used as a neutron moderator in nuclear reactors, highlighting its
importance in advanced technology.

However, graphite is not without challenges. Inhaling fine graphite dust over prolonged
periods may cause respiratory problems, and improper mining practices can harm the
environment. Additionally, graphite particles can cause short circuits in electronic
devices if contamination occurs. Despite these concerns, the versatility and unique
properties of graphite make it indispensable in numerous industrial, scientific, and
technological applications. With ongoing research, graphite continues to play a vital role
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in emerging fields such as graphene production, promising even more innovative uses in
the future.

Reference:

1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jics.2025.101908

2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2025.107346

3. https://www.chemguide.co.uk/atoms/structures/giantcov.html

4. https://byjus.com/chemistry/uses-of-graphite/

5. https://byjus.com/chemistry/graphite/