A graphite-prism definition for Avogadro's "integer"

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new definition for Avogadro's number based on graphite prisms with atom counts divisible by 12, aiming to improve measurement standards and educational clarity.

Contribution

It introduces a novel graphite-prism model with atom counts divisible by 12, providing a physically meaningful and practically useful standard for Avogadro's number.

Findings

Graphite prisms can have atom counts divisible by 12.

Such structures may aid in defining precise molar standards.

The model aligns with measurement and educational needs.

Abstract

The new International System of Units may let us select an integer value for Avogadro's number. Some might prefer an integer that's divisible by 12, so that an integer number of $^{12}C$ atoms may be associated (to first order) with a gram's mass. For educational and practical reasons it may also help to choose a {\em physically-meaningful} definition within measurement error of the current numeric value. Cubes of diamond face-centered-cubic Si and (much rarer) face-centered-cubic C have been proposed, but these structures do not have naturally-occurring facets (or numbers of atoms generally divisible by 12). We show here that graphite prisms formed by stacking $m$ hexagonal graphene sheets, with $m \equiv 51,150,060$ carbon-12 atoms on each side, are a natural solution that may facilitate generation of precise molar standards as well.