From Desktop Toy to Educational Aid: Neo Magnets as an Alternative to Ball-and-Stick Models in Representing Carbon Fullerenes

Abstract

Neo magnets are neodymium magnet beads that have been marketed as a desktop toy. We proposed using neo magnets as an alternative building block to traditional ball-and-stick models to construct carbon allotropes, such as fullerene and various nanocone structures. Due to the lack of predetermined physical connections, the versatility of carbon bonding can be allowed for when using magnetic beads, as well as providing a more comprehensive appreciation for the angles required for stable bonding within a structure. The students are asked to make neo magnet models of various nanocone structures as well as using software to create the structures, and then compare cone angles obtained with both methods. This activity was trialed on several discussion groups with positive results and feedback of a deeper understanding for carbon nanostructures.