Synthesis of C₆₀ from Small Carbon Clusters

Abstract

A model based on experiment and ab initio theory for the high-yield carbon-arc synthesis of C60 and other fullerenes is presented. Evidence that is given indicates that the synthesis must start with the smallest units of carbon (atoms, dimers, etc.). The model is then broken into four steps: (1) the growth of carbon chains up to length C10 from initial reactants present in the carbon vapor, (2) growth from chains into monocyclic rings (C10—C20), (3) production and growth of three-dimensional reactive carbon networks (C21—Cx, x = 30—40), and (4) growth of small fullerene cages via a closed-shell mechanism that exclusively produces C60, C70, and the higher fullerenes as the stable products.