ChemInform Abstract: Fullerene Formation in Sputtering and Electron Beam Evaporation Processes

The authors report the formation of fullerenes from graphite by sputtering and electron beam evaporation. Under conditions that differ dramatically from those in the previously known fullerene production processes, the new methods preferentially yield the soluble higher fullerenes C{sub 70}, C{sub 76}, C{sub 78}, and C{sub 84} in addition to minor amounts of C{sub 60} only. Upon passage of carbon particles formed by electron beam evaporation through an electrostatic field, fullerenes are mainly isolated from the cathode, not from the anode, which supports the formation of cationic intermediates in fullerene growth mechanisms. The variables thought to be important for fullerene production can be controlled efficiently in the new processes. 18 refs., 3 figs.