Hello, I'm an expert in materials science with a particular interest in advanced materials like graphene and diamond. Let's delve into the comparison between these two remarkable substances.

Graphene and diamond are both composed of carbon atoms, but they have vastly different structures, which account for their distinct properties.
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb lattice. This arrangement allows it to be incredibly strong and stiff. In fact, graphene is often referred to as the strongest material ever tested.

Diamond, on the other hand, is a three-dimensional (3D) structure where each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement, creating a rigid and strong lattice. Diamond is renowned for its hardness and thermal conductivity.

Now, when we talk about strength, we often refer to two different types of strength: tensile strength and hardness. Tensile strength is a material's ability to withstand pulling forces, while hardness is its resistance to scratching or indentation.

In terms of tensile strength, graphene is stronger than diamond. It can theoretically withstand a tensile strain of about 20% before it breaks, which is a remarkable property considering its 2D nature. This is due to the strong covalent bonds between the carbon atoms in the graphene lattice.

However, when it comes to hardness, diamond is the clear winner. Diamond is the hardest known natural material because of its 3D carbon-carbon bonds, which are extremely tight and closely packed.

In summary, while both graphene and diamond are incredibly strong in their own ways, graphene is stronger in terms of tensile strength due to its 2D structure and the strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms, whereas diamond is the hardest material due to its 3D structure and the tight tetrahedral bonding.

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Chemists have calculated that chains of double or triple-bonded carbon atoms, known as carbyne, should be stronger and stiffer than any known material. The sixth element, carbon, has given us an amazing abundance of extraordinary materials. Once there was simply carbon, graphite and diamond.read more >>