Deformation-induced changes in the structure of fullerites C60/70 during their mechanical activation

Abstract

Structural changes occurring during the mechanical activation of fullerites C60/70 have been investigated using X-ray diffraction, IR and UV spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The complete destruction modes of fullerite have been determined (3.5 h at the intensity of the mill of 4.3 W/g and 28 h at 2.2 W/g). The destruction of the crystal structure of fullerites is accompanied by the destruction of fullerene molecules. The residual solvent, which enters into the composition of C60/70, is retained during the entire time of mechanical activation. In this case, the low-frequency shift of absorption bands of toluene (729 → 725 cm−1), which is caused by the deformation of the solvent molecule in the composition of crystal solvates, has been observed. It has been shown that the deformation stability of graphite is substantially lower than in the case of fullerite.