USING C-60 MOLECULES FOR DEEP CARBONIZATION OF RHENIUM IN ULTRAHIGH-VACUUM

The adsorption of C-60 molecules on the surface of a rhenium ribbon he ated to 1800 K is investigated quantitatively. It is found that the C- 60 molecules are adsorbed without reflection and then dissociate, and the carbon formed in the process is dissolved in the bulk of the rheni um to the limit of solubility. Then a graphite monolayer forms on the rhenium surface, and the dissociation of the C-60 molecules stops. It is shown that the C-60 molecules can be used as an effective carbonizi ng object on metals in ultrahigh vacuum. (C) 1997 American Institute o f Physics. [S1063-7850(97)00512-0].