DMSE-Tetrapod ("crystolecule")

thingiverse

This tetra-pod model, made primarily of carbon atoms in sp3-hybridization, is a DMSE (Diamondoid Molecular Structural Element), meaning it's very rigid, tiny and inactive. The portmanteau "crystolecule" would be more suitable to describe these building blocks due to their small size and crystalline structure. The structural crystolecule is designed for use within larger frameworks such as nano-housings. The seven open bonds on the tetrapod can be arranged in two different ways, leading to potential structures like diamond or lonsdaleite. This model was created using NanoEngineer-1 and converted into a 3D printable file with Blender, after which it can be printed with a color or monochrome printer. If anyone knows how to remove the internal structures without losing color information, please let us know!