Heterohedral Fullerenes and Nanotubes: Formation and Characteristics

Abstract

Both theoretical and experimental studies show that carbon atom(s) can be substituted in a fullerene cage or in a nanotube by “guest” atom(s) or molecule(s) to form stable structures. This new class of networked carbon nanostructures called heterofullerenes and heteronanotubes is presented and their interesting properties and synthesis routes are discussed.