In situ fullerene formation—The evidence presented Original Research Article

We have recently reported the real-time, in situ nucleation of fullerene molecules in a modified high resolution transmission electron microscope, providing direct visual evidence for the curvature of intact graphene sheets leading to the formation of discrete single shells. We now report a similar phenomenon on the surface of previously untreated carbon black particles, present analogous results using hexagonal boron nitride, discuss further video-captured evidence of the mechanisms involved, and draw together other related work including the formation of bucky-onions and nano-diamonds. We conclude that in situ electron microscopy experiments provide a valuable opportunity to understand the allotropic transformations of carbon, leading to a better appreciation of the parameters necessary for fullerene nucleation. However, we also highlight the importance of taking into account the specifications of the particular electron microscopes used for such investigations, and in particular the vacuum systems employed.