We describe the topology, structure, and stability of giant fullerenes exhibiting various symmetries (I, Ih, D2h, T). Our results demonstrate that it is also possible to create two new families of nested ?chiral? icosahedral (I) fullerenes namely C260 @ C560 @ C980 @ C1520 @..and C140 @ C380 @ C740 @ C1220 @..., which exhibit interlayer separations of ca. 3.4 ?. These chiral fullerenes are thought to possess non semiconducting properties. Finally, we study in detail the transformation of polyhedral graphitic particles into quasi-spherical nested giant fullerenes by reorgainisation of carbon atoms which result in the formation of additional pentagonal and heptagonal carbon rings. These ?spherical? structures are metastable and we believe they could be formed if conditions during formation are extreme such as high energy electron irradiation. There is circumstantial experimental evidence for the presence of heptagonal rings within these spherical fullerenes.
Revised: July 9, 2002 |
Published: August 1, 2002
Citation
Terrones M., G. Terrones, and H. Terrones. 2002.Structure, Chirality, and Formation of Giant Icosahedral Fullerenes and Spherical Graphitic Onions.Structural Chemistry 13, no. 3-4:373-384. PNWD-SA-5629.