Structural, microstructural and electronic characteristics of quasicrystalline and carbon containing fullerene (C60) and graphitic tubule, solids

Abstract

The quasicrystalline and recently discovered carbon bearing exotic solids-the fullerenes (e.g. C60) and their tubule relatives Nano-tubules have a common linkage in the sense that they have built in icosahedral symmetry either at the level of lattice - as in QC materials, or motif e.g. in fullerene or tubule (caps). It is, therefore, of interest to explore the structural features and properties (e.g. electronic behaviour) of the solids on a comparative basis. The basic theme of this paper centres around this aspect. We have discussed and described the structural/microstructural characteristics and properties (with emphasis on electronic behaviour) of the QC, C60 and Nano-tubule. Attempts have then been made to bring out their comparisons for these type of icosahedron bearing solids. The case of comparison of structural behaviours and grass root electronic characteristic e.g. Brillouin zones and density of states of the QC and C60 solid - the special carbon bearing material - have been taken first. Thereafter, the case of tubule-solids which are related to C60 have been taken up. Then inter-relationship between tubule and C60 and the exotic electronic characteristics of the tubules have been discussed and described. Finally the similarities and dissimilarities of the three types of solids in regard to their structural and electronic behaviours have been outlined.