New Nanotech from an Ancient Material: Chemistry Demonstrations Involving Carbon-Based Soot

• DOI: 10.1021/ed300087t
• Publication Date: 2012-08-13T14:56:49Z
• Authors: Dean J. Campbell; Mark J. Andrews; Keith J. Stevenson
• Keywords: Carbon fibers; Candle; Propane

Carbon soot has been known since antiquity, but recently finding new uses as a robust, inexpensive nanomaterial. This paper describes the superhydrophobic properties of carbon films prepared by combustion candle wax or propane gas and introduces some optical absorption fluorescence particles. Multiple demonstrations, appropriate for variety educational backgrounds, are presented.