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How do buckyballs differ from carbon nanotubes?

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A color-coded periodic table of the elements displays each element's symbol and atomic number, with categories such as alkali metals, noble gases, halogens, transition metals, and actinoid elements distinguished by different background colors. — carbon group element Modern version of the periodic table of the elements (printable).

Buckyballs and carbon nanotubes are both members of the fullerene family, which are hollow carbon molecules, but they differ significantly in their structure and properties.12

Structural Differences

Buckyballs: These are closed-cage molecules, most commonly composed of 60 carbon atoms (C $_{60}$ ) arranged in a hollow sphere that resembles a soccer ball.1
Carbon Nanotubes: These are elongated, cylindrical structures. They can be single-walled (SWNTs), consisting of a single rolled graphene sheet, or multi-walled (MWNTs), which are composed of numerous concentric graphene cylinders.132

Functional and Property Differences

While both are subjects of intense research in nanotechnology, their applications and physical behaviors differ:12

Mechanical Strength: Carbon nanotubes are noted for their exceptional tensile strength and elasticity, often outperforming traditional materials like steel.324
Conductivity: Nanotubes can be metallic or semiconducting depending on their structure, and they are excellent conductors of heat and electricity.13
Applications: Due to their unique geometry, nanotubes are explored for use in electronics, such as transistors and flat-panel displays, as well as structural composites and potential medical applications.324