Structural analysis of fullerene and fulleride solids from synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction

Synchrotron-based X-ray powder diffraction has proved indispensable in the study of fullerene solids, their alkali metal intercalation compounds and chemical derivatives. Here we review some recent developments to which David E. Cox has made important material and intellectual contributions, not only in advancing the field of fullerenes but in helping to train a new generation of young scientists. Topics covered include finite vacancy concentrations in superconducting phases, estimates of the vacancy formation energies from temperature-dependent phase analysis, and the effects of alkali metal intercalation on orientational states, order-disorder transitions and superconductivity.