Search

C[SUB70] fullerene films deposited on a silicon substrate have been bombarded with He[SUP+] ions at 30 keV at room temperature in vacuum. The structural changes undergone by C[SUB70] have been followed by both FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. The results have been compared to the behavior of C[SUB60] fullerence and discussed in an astrochemical context. The main conclusion is that C[SUB70], contrary to C[SUB60], does not form oligomers at low radiation dose but it is directly and gradually degraded to amorphous carbon (carbon black). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C60 fullerene films have been bombarded with He+ ions at 30 keV at room temperature in vacuum. The structural changes undergone by C60 have been followed by both FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy was the most useful tool for this scope. It has been clearly discovered that at low radiation dose C60 forms oligomers but at higher radiation doses it is converted into an amorphous carbonaceous matter. The implications of these results on the possible survival of C60 fullerene in the interstellar space have been discussed briefly in connection with the previous results on the effects of various types of electromagnetic radiation over C60. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]