Counting the Edges of Nanosolids
In the case of carbon, nanosolids will roll themselves into shapes
that have few, if any edges! Big carbon pieces, like in your pencil, also
have edges but they make up a very small fraction of all of the atoms.
Nanotubes: Rolled Sheets of Graphite with no Edges
What Shape Will it Be?
It is important that nanoscientists be able to predict the shapes of their
nanosolids. Theoretical chemistry can calculate precisely the energy costs
associated with carbon edges as well as sheet curvatures. Then, just like
balancing a checkbook, the total energy of various structures can be found.
See Gus Scuseria's web
page for more information!