Hydrogen-Driven Collapse of C60Inside Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

A small intruder: The reaction of C60 peapods with hydrogen was studied at elevated pressure and temperature and compared with the reaction of bulk C60 powder. At temperatures above 500 °C the reaction results in a collapse of the fullerene cage structure and formation of various hydrocarbon molecules. Direct evidence was given for the surprising ability of hydrogen to penetrate into the inner space of C60 peapods and to react with the fullerenes (see picture).