Formation Mechanism of Fullerenes/Metallofullerenes

Abstract

The formation mechanism of fullerenes and metallofullerenes has been an intriguing question for chemists, physicists, and astronomers. Different mechanisms with various precursors, including small carbon fragments, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and graphene, have been proposed and studied. Meanwhile, the discovery of multiple structural links among metallofullerene cage structures also suggests many fullerene and metallofullerene cages share the same stream of precursors. Understanding the formation of fullerenes and metallofullerenes will provide critical insights.