Carbon Rod for Fullerene Synthesis

Many kinds of pure carbon and metal/carbon composite rods for fullerene synthesis have been prepared. Preparation and topics concerning these carbon rods are reviewed. Yield of empty fullerenes such as C60 and C70 is not influenced by either texture or by structure of carbon rod, however, high vaporization rate is observed for less graphitized one in arc discharge method. Existence of cα. 0.1mass% impurities in the pure carbon rod does not decrease fullerene yield, however, it is suggested that a small amount of some specific element may affect fullerene synthesis. Fullerenes with higher molecular weights are selectively synthesized by using boron/carbon composite rods (boronated graphite).To increase yield of endohedral metallofullerenes, elimination of water from the composite rod is very important, and high temperature-treatment of the rod such as 2000°C is found to be very effective.