Structure and orientation of water molecules at model hydrophobic surfaces with curvature: From graphene sheets to carbon nanotubes and fullerenes

► We study hydration of hydrophobic graphitic-like surfaces. ► We study the role of geometry by comparing graphene, carbon nanotubes and fullerenes. ► Surface water molecules are found to be better structured than bulk ones. ► Water structuring decreases as the curvature of the surface increases. ► The first water layers are highly oriented resembling an ice Ih structure.