(2003) Kornilov, M.; Mikhailenko, A. V.; Ljubchuk, T.; Isaev, Sergey
A new mechanism offullerene and nanotube formation from graphite under conditions of laser evaporation in an electric arc is proposed. The role of the tightening graphene layer and a catalyst in the process of nanotube synthesis has been analyzed. The catalyst atom is coordinated on the graphite surface and at high temperature starts cutting and sewing graphite lattice that results in nanotube formation. Fullerenes are forming through cutting caps with a part of nanotube. Atomization of graphite is not an obligatory step. The facts proving the mechanism described have been systematized and generalized.