A review of arc-discharge method towards large-scale preparation of long linear carbon chains

Linear carbon chains as new one-dimensional(1D)nanomaterials attract attention for the predicted outstanding properties.However,the high reactivity of linear carbon chains hampers further experimental research.To date,different methods have been developed to synthesize new materials containing linear carbon chains.Among them,the arc-discharge method is a practical way to prepare both finite and infinite linear carbon chains.This review provides a brief discussion of the recent progress in the techniques to prepare carbon chain-based materials and then focuses on the arc-discharge method.The configuration of apparatus,optimal conditions,and the corresponding mechanism of arc-discharge method to prepare long linear carbon chain inside multi-walled carbon nanotubes are summarized in detail.The characterization techniques are introduced to evaluate the quality of products.Moreover,remaining challenges and perspectives are presented for further investigation of long linear carbon chains.

Arc-Discharge Synthesis and Microstructure Characterization of AIN Nanowires

AIN nanowires with a hexagonal structure were synthesized using an improved arc-discharge method and their microstructures were characterized using a high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The synthesized AIN nanowires were of various shapes. Their diameters ranged from 20 to 110 nm and the lengths were up to 20 μm. Most of the AIN nanowires were coated by an amorphous layer of aluminum oxide. Fabrication yield was about several grams. The growth mechanism was considered to be a vapor-liquid-solid process and an AI droplet formed on the top of as-grown AIN nanowire played a role of catalyst.

Efficient and Large-Scale Synthesis of Few-Layered Graphene Using an Arc-Discharge Method and Conductivity Studies of the Resulting Films

An arc-discharge method using a buffer gas containing carbon dioxide has been developed for the efficient and large-scale synthesis of few-layered graphene.The resulting samples of few-layered graphene,well-dispersed in organic solvents such as N,N-dimethylformamide(DMF)and 1,2-dichlorobenzene(o-DCB),were examined by transmission electron microscopy(TEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),Raman spectroscopy,atomic force microscopy(AFM),and thermal gravimetric analysis(TGA).The electrical conductivity and transparency of flexible films prepared using a direct solution process have also been studied.

Zirconium nitride as a highly efficient nitrogen source to synthesize the metal nitride clusterfullerenes

Metal nitride clusterfullerenes(NCFs)have significant applications in molecular electronics,biomedical imaging,and nonlinear optical devices due to their unique structures.However,their wide applications are limited by the production quantity.In this work,the yields of metal nitride clusterfullerenes M3N@C80(M=Y,Sc,Gd)were greatly enhanced by utilizing zirconium nitride(Zr N)as an efficient nitrogen source for the arc-discharge method.Compared with the traditional synthetic route using N2gas as nitrogen source,the Zr N inside graphite tube can be vaporized simultaneously with metal and graphite,and then afford the high concentration of nitrogen atoms in the arc region,which will promote the formation of metal nitride clusterfullerenes finally.The Zr N can promote the yields of Y3N@C80,Sc3N@C80and Gd3N@C80,revealing the universal applicability of Zr N as a highly efficient nitrogen source.Specifically,the yield of Sc3N@C80was greatly improved when adding Zr N,and it shows over double yield compared to traditional synthetic route using N2gas.In addition,Zr N can also enhance the yields of paramagnetic azametallofullerene M2@C79N due to the high concentration of nitrogen atoms in the arc region.This new method enhances the production quantity of metal nitride clusterfullerenes and azametallofullerenes,and it will greatly promote the research and application of these molecular carbon materials.