Direct Electrochemical Synthesis of Fullerenes and Nanotubes

According to Kavan (1997), electrochemical carbons are synthetic solids consisting mainly of atoms of elemental carbon, which can be prepared electrochemically from suitable precursors. Electrochemical carbonization is characterized by three specific features (Kavan et al., 2004) (1) ability to obtain relatively unstable carbon chains (2) easy templating of carbon nanostructured materials by the precursors and (3) defined kinetics of certain reactions, allowing for the control of film thickness. 

Direct synthesis of fullerenes and nanotubes can be performed by electrochemical dehalogenation of perhalogenated hydrocarbons. For instance, Cgg can be prepared from octafluoroanthracene  

FIGURE 7.12 Schematics for cross-link reactions producing graphene from polyynes. 

Although currently yields obtained in electrochemical synthesis of fullerenes and nanotubes are not yet competitive compared to those prepared via the usual processes (carbon arc, laser ablation, etc.), such procedures are of considerable interest (Kavan et al., 2004). 

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