Fullerene synthesis from carbon powder using CW-CO 2 laser

Abstract

A semi-continuous process for the synthesis of fullerenes is described. This novel process incorporated a carbon powder feed system in combination with a continuous-wave CO 2 laser irradiation source. The carbon powder contained no fullerenes but did contain graphite crystals and amorphous carbons of selected particle sizes (5, 10, or 20 µm), and selected irregular or spherical particle shapes. The method was successfully used to deposit C 60 and C 70 powders and films continuously. Laser irradiation of the carbon powder produced an observable laser plume. The experimental results and mechanism for the process are discussed.