CARBON CLUSTER, STARTING MATERIAL FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF AND PRODUCTION OF THE CARBON CLUSTER

PURPOSE: To produce a new calcium atom-containing carbon cluster having a composition of CaC28 by using a starting material adding a calcium compd. to a carbonaceous starting material. CONSTITUTION: The carbon cluster consisting of CaC28 or containing CaC28 is produced by using a starting material prepared by adding the calcium compd. to the carbonaceous starting material. A conventional well-known method is used at the time of manufacturing the carbon cluster, for example, an arc discharge system, an electrical resistance heating system, a laser evaporation system, etc., are exemplified. Various coke powder, various carbon fiber powder, various carbon black powder, etc., are exemplified as the carbonaceous starting material. For example, carbonate, fluoride, chloride, etc., are exemplified as the calcium compd. (but, calcium oxide is not preferable since CaC60 is formed easily).