Formation of Heterofullerenes by Direct Exposure of C_(60) to Boron Vapor

摘要

An intriguing way to modify the properties of fullerenes is by replacing a carbon atom in the caged network with a heter-oatom. The resulting molecule, a heterofullerene, acquires electronic structure that is distinct from its all-carbon precursor. Therefore, modification of electronic and optical properties by heteroatom doping is a promising route toward devising, for example, fullerene-based molecular electronics, solar cells, and hydrogen-storage technologies, as well as exploring new fullerene chemistry. Preferred elements for fullerene doping are trivalent heteroatoms that most closely resemble carbon in size and electronegativity, because such elements are most likely to exhibit covalent bonding in a fullerene. Thus, nitrogen and boron are the most attractive candidates to form closed-cage heterofullerenes.