Toward Synthesis and Characterization of Unconventional C66 and C68 Fullerenes inside Carbon Nanotubes

Author(s)

Viktor Zólyomi, Herwig Peterlik, Johannes Bernardi, Mónika Bokor, István László, János Koltai, Jenö Kürti, Martin Knupfer, Hans Kuzmany, Thomas Pichler, Ferenc Simon

Abstract

We present compelling evidence pointing to the possible synthesis of unconventional C₆₆ and C₆₈ fullerenes in the interior of single-walled carbon nanotubes. The production proceeds from C₆₀-toluene/benzene

clathrates encapsulated inside the nanotubes using heat-driven

nanotesttube chemistry. All isomers violate the so-called isolated

pentagon rule and are stabilized solely by the proximity of the wall of

the host nanotube. We present detailed characterization of the

unconventional fullerenes using Raman spectroscopy, ¹³C

isotope labeling of the benzene molecules, transmission electron

microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and first-principles calculations.

Multiple isomers of both C₆₆ and C₆₈ are identified in the sample. We argue that our method opens the way to high-yield synthesis of unconventional fullerenes.

Organisation(s)

Dynamics of Condensed Systems, Electronic Properties of Materials

External organisation(s)

Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Eötvös Loránd University Budapest, Lancaster University, Technische Universität Wien, Leibniz-Institut für Festkörper- und Werkstoffforschung Dresden

Journal

The Journal of Physical Chemistry Part C (Nanomaterials and Interfaces)

Volume

118

Pages

30260–30268

No. of pages

9

ISSN

1932-7447

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1021/jp509755x

Publication date

11-2014

Peer reviewed

Yes

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

103018 Materials physics, 103009 Solid state physics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials, General Energy, Surfaces, Coatings and Films, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Portal url

https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/03b7c330-9f9d-49f3-a0b7-3fbde712ebc4