Predicting experimentally stable allotropes: Instability of penta-graphene.

In recent years, a plethora of theoretical carbon allotropes have been proposed, none of which has been experimentally isolated. We discuss here criteria that should be met for a new phase to be potentially experimentally viable. We take as examples Haeckelites, 2D networks of sp(2)-carbon-containing pentagons and heptagons, and "penta-graphene," consisting of a layer of pentagons constructed from a mixture of sp(2)- and sp(3)-coordinated carbon atoms. In 2D projection appearing as the "Cairo pattern," penta-graphene is elegant and aesthetically pleasing. However, we dispute the author's claims of its potential stability and experimental relevance.

Vacancy diffusion and coalescence in graphene directed by defect strain fields.

The formation of extended defects in graphene from the coalescence of individual mobile vacancies can significantly alter its mechanical, electrical and chemical properties. We present the results of ab initio simulations which demonstrate that the strain created by multi-vacancy complexes in graphene determine their overall growth morphology when formed from the coalescence of individual mobile lattice vacancies. Using density functional theory, we map out the potential energy surface for the motion of mono-vacancies in the vicinity of multi-vacancy defects. The inhomogeneous bond strain created by the multi-vacancy complexes strongly biases the activation energy barriers for single vacancy motion over a wide area. Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations based on rates from ab initio derived activation energies are performed to investigate the dynamical evolution of single vacancies in these strain fields. The resultant coalescence processes reveal that the dominant morphology of multi-vacancy complexes will consist of vacancy lines running in the two primary crystallographic directions, and that more thermodynamically stable structures, such as holes, are kinetically inaccessible from mono-vacancy aggregation alone.

Low-energy termination of graphene edges via the formation of narrow nanotubes.

We demonstrate that free graphene sheet edges can curl back on themselves, reconstructing as nanotubes. This results in lower formation energies than any other nonfunctionalized edge structure reported to date in the literature. We determine the critical tube size and formation barrier and compare with density functional simulations of other edge terminations including a new reconstructed Klein edge. Simulated high resolution electron microscopy images show why such rolled edges may be difficult to detect. Rolled zigzag edges serve as metallic conduction channels, separated from the neighboring bulk graphene by a chain of insulating sp(3)-carbon atoms, and introduce van Hove singularities into the graphene density of states.

Pattern formation on carbon nanotube surfaces.

Calculations of fluorine binding and migration on carbon nanotube surfaces show that fluorine forms varying surface superlattices at increasing temperatures. The ordering transition is controlled by the surface migration barrier for fluorine atoms to pass through next neighbor sites on the nanotube, explaining the transition from semi-ionic low coverage to covalent high coverage fluorination observed experimentally for gas phase fluorination between 200 and 250 degrees C. The effect of solvents on fluorine binding and surface diffusion is explored.

Analysis of polyaddition levels in i-Sc3NC80.

Using the density functional method, the stabilities of highly hydrogenated and fluorinated [80]fullerenes, both empty and containing the Sc3N molecule, have been calculated. Addition of 44 atoms to i-Sc3NC80 is predicted to be most favorable due to the formation of six octahedrally located benzenoid rings, while addition of up to 52 atoms (consistent with preliminary fluorination data) gives a structure stabilized by the presence of four benzenoid rings. The most stable isomers at this addition level have been determined and the relative stabilities of a number of C80H52, C80F52, and i-Sc3NC80H52 species calculated. The hydrogenation of the i-Sc3NC80 has been computed to be more difficult than the corresponding partner, C80. From the geometrical point of view, the Sc3N molecule is planar in the parent [80]fullerene but is calculated to be pyramidal in some of the hydrogenated/fluorinated derivatives. Moreover, in these it has fixed locations due to orbital interactions arising from deformation of the cage and the presence of localized double bonds.

Open-cage fullerene derivatives with 15-membered-ring orifices.

The addition reaction of the N-MEM-ketolactam derivative of [60]fullerene with phenyl, p-Br-phenyl, and p-MeO-phenyl hydrazines proceeds regioselectively, affording three open-cage fullerene derivatives bearing a 15-membered-ring orifice on the fullerene cage. Both experimental data and theoretical calculations were utilized for the structure determination of the new [60]fullerene adducts.

Wigner defects bridge the graphite gap.

We present findings on the structure, energies and behaviour of defects in irradiated graphitic carbon materials. Defect production due to high-energy nuclear radiations experienced in graphite moderators is generally associated with undesirable changes in internal energy, microstructure and physical properties--the so-called Wigner effect. On the flip side, the controlled introduction and ability to handle such defects in the electron beam is considered a desirable way to engineer the properties of carbon nanostructures. In both cases, the atomic-level details of structure and interaction are only just beginning to be understood. Here, using a model system of crystalline graphite, we show from first-principles calculations, new details in the behaviour of vacancy and interstitial defects. We identify a prominent barrier-state to energy release, reveal a surprising ability of vacancy defects to bridge the widely spaced atomic layers, and discuss physical property and microstructure changes during irradiation, including interactions with dislocations.