Shock-wave synthesis of fullerenes from graphite

A new method of producing fullerenes is proposed which is based on the fact that in the rarefaction wave generated when the shock wave emerges on the free surface of shock-compressed graphite, the crystals can break up not into separate carbon atoms but into fullerene molecules. Results of experiments confirming formation of C$_{60}$ in a graphite sample by means of a 30–35-Pa shock wave are presented.