Kinetic Model of Metallocarbohedrene Formation in Arc Plasma Generator

Abstract

Abstract A kinetic model of the formation of stable metal-carbon clusters, which have been designated metallocarbohedrenes, is developed. The metals chosen for the theoretical analysis were titanium and zirconium. An optimum starting composition of composite electrodes was found. The fullerene and Met-Car yields for different metal-to-carbon mass ratios were determined. The maximum yield of Ti8C12 was 0.4% while the maximum yield of Zr8C12 was 0.6%. The theoretical mass spectra of carbon and metallocarbon clusters were explored.