Pupils catch a glimpse of chemistry research
A team of A-level chemistry students from Oaklands Catholic School in Waterlooville, England, has just completed an ambitious year-long project in which they synthesised the carbon allotrope C60 (buckminsterfullerene). It was the molecule’s Nobel Prize association and inherent beauty that inspired the school’s chemistry teachers Dr Martin Smith and senior technician Simon Davis to challenge some of their students to create it.
“For some years now I have run a club in which A-level chemistry students tackle beyond-the-course theory and experimentation. When a particularly able group of students came along, we decided to raise the bar even further,” explains Dr Smith.
“A student-led effort to synthesise fullerenes seemed ideal, as it would be a ‘long haul’ project that incorporated difficult engineering and chemical challenges and the need to collaborate with academics. The project was expensive and so financial support in form of a grant from the Royal Society of Chemistry proved essential, as did advice from Dr Hare at the Creative Science Centre and analytical support from Dr Abdul-Sada at Sussex University.”
Making fullerenes
Simon Holland, Matt Kingswell, Patrick Lavery, Chris Thomas, James Tizzard, George West and Ash Zee spent the year making fullerenes by using an arc welder to vaporise carbon. The gaseous carbon was then cooled by helium, enabling C60 to form along with a small amount of C70.
Looking back at the project, Dr Smith comments: “The students experienced all of the highs and lows of scientific research. But the elation they experienced in Sussex University’s mass spectrometry lab when the 720 peak emerged on screen was unforgettable. Pleasingly, three of the students are now going on to study chemistry at university.”
Patrick Lavery commented: “This project made me aware that research is demanding and at times frustrating, but ultimately exciting and rewarding”. His feelings are echoed by Chris Thomas, who said: “We battled through, and after many redesigns of our equipment we finally prevailed. This insight into the world of chemistry was brilliantly inspirational.”
And James Tizzard added: “This experience has taught me that the most satisfying successes are those for which you have to work hard. The C60 project pushed me beyond the limits of my practical and intellectual abilities in a way in which the A-level course did not. And the prolonged collaboration with both staff and peers was an experience from which I learnt a huge amount, especially the ability to work in a team where each person’s individual skill set is used to the greatest effect.”
