Polyyne formation by graphite laser ablation in argon and propane mixed gases

Abstract Laser ablation of graphite in argon/propane mixed gases was performed to elucidate the process of carbon cluster growth and hydrogen termination to form polyynes. The carbon-rich materials ejected by ablation were carried by the gas flow and captured by a cooled organic solvent, and then, the soluble products were analyzed by UV absorption. The yield of polyyne increased drastically with the increase of the propane ratios. The propane-ratio-dependent yields for polyynes of various lengths are consistent with a polyyne formation model based on H-abstraction reactions of carbon clusters.