CATHODE DEPOSITS IN FULLERENE FORMATION - MICROSTRUCTURAL EVIDENCE FOR INDEPENDENT PATHWAYS OF PYROLYTIC CARBON AND NANOBODY FORMATION

Microstructures in cathode deposits formed during fullerene production by electrical arcing in helium have been examined in detail. This has provided new information about the mechanisms by which nanobodies (na notubes and nanoparticles) and pyrolytic carbon are deposited. Nanobod ies and pyrolytic carbon form independently; the former probably grow in the plasma then deposit on the electrode but much of the latter dep osits directly on the electrode surface.