Influence of boron on carbon arc plasma and formation of fullerenes and nanotubes

Gadolinium-doped (0.8 at.%) graphite anodes were dc arced to produce different nanocarbons. Emission spectroscopy was performed to determine the temperature and column density distributions of C2 (a3Πuν=0) in the arc plasma under 13.3 and 60 kPa pressures in helium atmosphere. The solid products were analyzed by UV-VIS, TOF MS, HR SEM, and TEM techniques. The influence of metal catalyst on the formation of C60, and endohedral fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes is discussed.