Preparation of Fullerenes by Arc Discharge between Graphite Anode and Tungsten Cathode

Effects of Arc Temperatures

Abstract

Effects of arc temperatures (arc positions) on weight ratios of C₇₀ to (C₆₀+C₇₀) in fullerene production were examined by vaporization of graphite inserted in the cathode drop region and in the positive column region in helium (He) arc discharge between two tungsten electrodes. C₇₀ were detected more than C₆₀ in the soot prepared by both vaporizations under He arc discharge between two tungsten electrodes in He gas pressure range of 0.7×10⁴ to 8.0×10⁴ Pa. In addition, C₇₀ were formed more than C₆₀ near the arc position, that is, at higher temperatures than near the wall of the deposition bowl, that is, at lower temperatures.