Simulated transmission electron microscope images and characterisation of concentric shell and icospiral graphitic microparticles

Abstract

A theoretical investigation of the structures of graphitic microparticles formed during carbon nucleation is presented. The nucleation scheme predicts the formation of closed-cage fullerenes as well as quasi-icosahedral concentric shell spiral structures. This study focuses on the patterns of simulated transmission electron microscope (TEM) images to be expected for such structures. Giant fullerenes, nested fullerenes and imperfect spirally interconnected concentric shell structures are all considered. The results are consistent with observations of carbon microparticles as well as the recently discovered nano-/micro-fibres.