Fullerenes catalyze the graphite-diamond phase transition

The effect of fullerenes on the graphite-diamond phase transition was exper imentally studied. Adding a catalytic amount of fullerenes to graphite duri ng the diamond synthesis at relatively low pressures (4.5-5.5 GPa) and temp eratures (about 1200 degreesC) increases the percentage graphite to diamond conversion by a factor of 1.8 as compared to the case of an initial charge containing only graphite or fullerene. Adding fullerene to graphite allows the pressure and temperature of the synthesis to be decreased. (C) 2001 MA IK "Nauka/Interperiodica".