The Stability of the Linear Orthorhombic Polymer of C₆₀: A High‐Pressure Study

Abstract

The phonon modes of the linear orthorhombic polymer of C₆₀ and its stability as function of pressure have been studied by in‐situ Raman scattering and X‐ray measurements. The Raman data show an irreversible transition to a new phase at any small pressure while the independent X‐ray study does not reveal structural changes even at pressure up to 3 GPa. This may be the indication of the pressure assisted photopolymerization resulting in the formation of the planar polymeric sheets via further bonding between adjacent polymeric chains.

Keywords:

• Fullerene C₆₀
• polymerization under high pressure
• orthorhombic C₆₀ phase
• X‐ray diffraction
• Raman characterization

Acknowledgments

The support by the Russian Foundation for Fundamental Research, grants @03‐02‐16011 and @03‐03‐32640, and the support of the General Secretarial for Research and Development, Greece, under the bilateral Greek‐Russian collaboration program, are greatly acknowledged.