Carbon fullerenes represent a third allotrope of carbon different from both diamond and graphite in their physical and chemical properties. Among the fullerenes, C_(60), a truncated icosahedron, has been studied extensively as it is available both in high purity and relatively large quantities. As a result, the physical and chemical properties of C_(60) are extremely well characterized. With increasing commercial interest in its unique properties, the manufacture and application of C_(60) are expected to grow rapidly over the next decade. Projected uses of C_(60) are rapidly expanding and currently include superconductivity devices, biomedical agents and high temperature lubricants among others.
展开▼
