Fullerene evolution in flame-generated soot

Direct observation of the chemical evolution of flame-generated soot was de monstrated for the first time using real-time aerosol mass spectrometry. Th e data presented unambiguously show the transformation of particle phase po lycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into carbonaceous soot containing ful lerenes. The mechanism of fullerene formation in the particle phase that is revealed is not consistent with conventional gas-phase formation mechanism s. This mechanism suggests the possibility of a controlled condensed phase synthesis of fullerenes.