Transformation of fullerene-like lattices using octagonal defects

Abstract

There are a number of structurally different fullerene cages with the same number of carbon atoms. For example, 1812 fullerene isomers C60 are possible. To date, many methods for changing the structure of fullerenes (i.e., transformations) have been developed. In this paper, one formal possible transformation is considered. It consists in sequential changes of local sections of the fullerene surface by moving an octagonal defect. A program to demonstrate the transformation of fullerene-like surfaces is described.