[Terrapreta] Why is carbon black?

[Sean K. Barry]

Hi Brian,

Do you think carbon nano-tubes look "black" from end on?  More than the existence of "loose electrons" on or near the surface, I thought crystalline structure, material thickness, and the resulting refractory indexes played more into full spectral light absorption (black?) and high translucence (clear?) of substances.  But, I could be wrong?  Carbon is multi-varied and cool, the substance for our age, I agree.

Regards,

SKB


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Brian Hans<mailto:bhans at earthmimic.com> 
  To: terrapreta at bioenergylists.org<mailto:terrapreta at bioenergylists.org> 
  Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2008 7:47 PM
  Subject: [Terrapreta] Why is carbon black?



  David Yarrow <dyarrow at nycap.rr.com<mailto:dyarrow at nycap.rr.com>> wrote: 

    and while we are debating what is light, does anybody know why carbon is black?  except as diamonds.

  Graphite sorts of bonds have loose electrons and appears black.
  Amorphous carbon has so many loose electrons that is appears black. 
  Diamonds have tight electrons and appears clear. 
  I would imagine that if you could actually see a Carbon Nanotube, it would be clear. Tho there may be some formation of 'sloppy' tubes that might have loose electrons and thus would appear black. 

  Carbon is turning into the new material for the 21'st century, IMO which could be called the 'carbon age'. TP, Carbon Nanotubes, CO2, energy carriers... Carbon is the new black!

  Brian 
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