Graphitic structures: from planar to spheres, toroids and helices

Following the discovery of C60 (Buckminsterfullerene), nanotubes and graphitic onions, new graphitic-type carbon structures, possessing great stability were predicted theoretically and identified experimentally. The chief characteristic associated with many of these new structures is the presence of pentagons and heptagons in the predominantly hexagonal network leading to positive and/or negative curvature. In this paper, we discuss a range of fullerene-related graphitic sheet structures (e.g. corkscrew-like nanotubes, toroids, round giant fullerenes, etc.) and show that molecular simulation studies based on such curved graphene surfaces are in good agreement with experimental high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations. New production methods and possible ways of evaluating nanoscale graphitic structures (surfaces) are discussed. The novel materials may have applications in nanoscale engineering.

[1]  X. B. Zhang,et al.  Electron microscopy study of coiled carbon tubules , 1995 .

[2]  J. Ketterson,et al.  Carbon nanotubes synthesized in a hydrogen arc discharge , 1995 .

[3]  Jack B. Howard,et al.  Fullerenes synthesis in combustion , 1992 .

[4]  H. Kroto,et al.  Pyrolytic carbon nanotubes from vapor-grown carbon fibers , 1995 .

[5]  M. Terrones,et al.  Beyond C60: graphite structures for the future , 1995 .

[6]  Y. Li,et al.  All-Carbon Molecules: Evidence for the Generation of Cyclo[18]carbon from a Stable Organic Precursor , 1989, Science.

[7]  W. Krätschmer,et al.  Solid C60: a new form of carbon , 1990, Nature.

[8]  A. Rinzler,et al.  Self-assembly of tubular fullerenes , 1995 .

[9]  Y. Saito,et al.  Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Growing Radially from Ni Fine Particles Formed by Arc Evaporation , 1994 .

[10]  S. C. O'brien,et al.  C60: Buckminsterfullerene , 1985, Nature.

[11]  Yoshinori Ando,et al.  Pentagons, heptagons and negative curvature in graphite microtubule growth , 1992, Nature.

[12]  Ihara,et al.  Helically coiled cage forms of graphitic carbon. , 1993, Physical review. B, Condensed matter.

[13]  D. Ugarte.  Curling and closure of graphitic networks under electron-beam irradiation , 1992, Nature.

[14]  M. Terrones,et al.  Condensed-phase nanotubes , 1995, Nature.

[15]  D. Wales,et al.  Theoretical studies of icosahedral C60 and some related species , 1986 .

[16]  H. Kroto,et al.  HEMI-toroidal networks in pyrolytic carbon nanotubes , 1995 .

[17]  G. Salitra,et al.  Nested fullerene-like structures , 1993, Nature.

[18]  H. W. Kroto,et al.  The formation of quasi-icosahedral spiral shell carbon particles , 1988, Nature.

[19]  Kenji Takeuchi,et al.  The production and structure of pyrolytic carbon nanotubes (PCNTs) , 1993 .

[20]  Malcolm L. H. Green,et al.  High-resolution electron microscopy studies of a microporous carbon produced by arc-evaporation , 1994 .

[21]  A. Mackay,et al.  Diamond from graphite , 1991, Nature.

[22]  J. Van Landuyt,et al.  The Texture of Catalytically Grown Coil-Shaped Carbon Nanotubules , 1994 .

[23]  Sumio Iijima,et al.  Direct observation of the tetrahedral bonding in graphitized carbon black by high resolution electron microscopy , 1980 .

[24]  D. Ugarte.  Formation mechanism of quasi-spherical carbon particles induced by electron bombardment , 1993 .

[25]  M. Dresselhaus,et al.  Synthesis of Graphite Fibers and Filaments , 1988 .

[26]  H. Kroto,et al.  Formation of C60 by pyrolysis of naphthalene , 1993, Nature.

[27]  P. Ajayan,et al.  Large-scale synthesis of carbon nanotubes , 1992, Nature.

[28]  Y. Yoshida,et al.  Structural, magnetic and superconducting properties of graphite nanotubes and their encapsulation compounds , 1993 .

[29]  R. Elliott.  An introduction to cast irons , 1988 .

[30]  Akagi,et al.  Electronic structure of helically coiled cage of graphitic carbon. , 1995, Physical review letters.

[31]  Riichiro Saito,et al.  Electronic structure of chiral graphene tubules , 1992 .

[32]  R. Tenne,et al.  Polyhedral and cylindrical structures of tungsten disulphide , 1992, Nature.

[33]  Sawada,et al.  New one-dimensional conductors: Graphitic microtubules. , 1992, Physical review letters.

[34]  Morinobu Endo,et al.  Formation of Carbon Nanofibers , 1992 .

[35]  Steven G. Louie,et al.  Boron Nitride Nanotubes , 1995, Science.

[36]  M. Ross,et al.  Cyclocarbon Coalescence: Mechanisms for Tailor-Made Fullerene Formation , 1993, Science.

[37]  C. Brabec,et al.  Structural defects and the shape of large fullerenes , 1994 .

[38]  S. Iijima.  Helical microtubules of graphitic carbon , 1991, Nature.

[39]  Sumio Iijima,et al.  Growth of carbon nanotubes , 1993 .

[40]  Fujita,et al.  Electronic structure of graphene tubules based on C60. , 1992, Physical review. B, Condensed matter.

[41]  J. R. Abeysinghe,et al.  New Horizons in Carbon Chemistry and Materials Science , 1994 .

[42]  X. B. Zhang,et al.  A Formation Mechanism for Catalytically Grown Helix-Shaped Graphite Nanotubes , 1994, Science.

[43]  Dunlap,et al.  Relating carbon tubules. , 1994, Physical review. B, Condensed matter.