Multiply twinned C60 and C70 nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of C-60 and C-70 prepared by aerosol flow reactor method show a well developed morphology when produced at sufficiently high temperatures. Hexagonal plate shaped, icosahedral and decagonal particles of C-60 and C-70 are formed. Morphology and internal structure are studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The plate-like particles are lamellar-twinned and grow preferentially on the side-faces by nucleation of new molecular layers along re-entrant corners. The decagonal multiply twinned nanoparticles are strained and show a distinct deviation from cubic symmetry. Some of the C-70 particles exhibit a modulated structure to accommodate the internal stress; this is possible because of the ellipsoidal shape of the C-70 molecule. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.