Graphene is a one-atom-thick planar sheet of sp2-bonded carbon atoms that are densely packed in a honeycomb crystal lattice. Graphene sheets are weakly bonded to other graphene layers above and below to form Graphite. The difference between two layers is approximately 0.335 nm [1].

Graphite can conduct electricity due to the vast electron delocalization within the carbon layers (a phenomenon called aromaticity). These valence electrons are free to move; as a result, they are able to conduct electricity. However, this only occurs within the plane of the layers.

Image rendered using nanoHUB tool Crystal Viewer (http://nanohub.org/tools/crystal_viewer)

[1] P. Delhaes (2001). Graphite and Precursors. CRC Press

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• Saumitra Raj Mehrotra; Gerhard Klimeck (2010), "Graphite," https://nanohub.org/resources/8795.

1. carbon
2. graphite
3. nanoelectronics