Catalyst and substrate-free synthesis of graphene nanosheets by unzipping C60 fullerene clusters using a pulse current method

Transformation of carbon nanomaterials to different allotropes is a very promising approach for preparing a variety of carbon nanomaterials. Herein, we present the catalyst and substrate-free synthesis of graphene (G) nanosheets from fullerene (C60) clusters. G nanosheets were formed from an unzipping process of fullerene clusters using a direct pulse current via a pulsed current sintering method, in which carbon atoms were evaporated from fullerenes as a result of generation of locally high temperatures. Fullerene clusters and G nanosheets were analyzed by different characterization tools and it was demonstrated that G can be successfully synthesized using transformation of fullerenes as starting materials without the need for catalyst or substrate.

Automated summary

The direct synthesis of graphene nanosheets from fullerene clusters without the need for catalyst or substrate is achieved using a pulsed current sintering method. This approach offers promising opportunities for the preparation of various carbon nanomaterials.