Some properties of carbon disks prepared from the toluene insoluble fraction in fullerene soot

Moulding and successive carbonization of the toluene-insoluble fraction in fullerene soot were studied to prepare carbon disks with unique properties. Separation of the graphitic component by precipitation in acetone allows the fraction to be moulded and carbonized into a carbon disk of significant strength. The disk was found to consist of large grains and fine particles which were densely packed and adhered to each other through partial fusion at their peripheries. After carbonization at 900°C, the disk exhibited a density of 1.9 g cm^-3 and surface area of 491 m^-2g^-1, whereas after carbonization at 2400°C, the values were 1.6 g cm^-3 and 183 m^-2g^-1, respectively. The random stacking of hexagonal planes and microhollow spheres with two to three turbostratic planes appears to be the cause of the above properties at 900 and 2400°C, respectively. The conversion of pentagons to hexagons at ca 900°C may cause the partial fusion of small particles. The pore size was distributed almost exclusively ca 20 A. Some unique applications can be envisaged.