Microwave synthesis of fullerenes from chloroform

Fullerenes C60 and C70 were synthesized continuously via microwave plasma from chloroform at low pressure argon atmosphere, and identified in toluene extracts of soot, using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry and diode-array spectrophotometric detection. Yield of C60 (0.3%–1.3%) and C70 (0.1%–0.3%) and their ratio depend on the temperature gradient and the collision probability. Besides fullerenes, a series of perchlorinated carbon clusters were found in the synthesis products. Since frameworks of the products are fragments of fullerenes, the further investigation of this process may lead to a better knowledge of the formation mechanisms of fullerenes.