MORPHOLOGY AND STRUCTURE OF GRAPHITIC SOOT PARTICLES GENERATED IN ARC-DISCHARGE C60 PRODUCTION

We present a morphological and structural study of the graphitic particles generated in arc-discharge C60 preparation, by means of scanning and high-resolution electron microscopy. Polyhedral concentric shells are one of the major constituent of the soot. Graphitic nanotubes are generated at the surface of contact between the electrodes, and their formation is independent of both the inert gas pressure, and the carbon material (a-C, graphite) used for the electrode. Since most of the particles observed are formed by curved graphitic sheets, we conclude that the bending of graphite basal planes, in order to eliminate dangling bonds, is extremely favorable in the high-temperature regime.