Fullerenit

Fullerenite is a crystalline form of fullerene, specifically referring to solid samples of fullerene molecules that have been crystallized. These solid forms are typically composed of C60 and C70 fullerenes, though other fullerene structures can also be incorporated. Fullerenite exhibits distinct optical and electronic properties compared to isolated fullerene molecules in solution. When fullerene molecules arrange themselves into a crystal lattice, their electronic orbitals can interact, leading to new collective behaviors. These interactions are responsible for the semiconducting properties observed in fullerenite. The specific arrangement of the fullerene molecules within the crystal structure, known as the crystal packing, significantly influences these properties. Different polymorphs of fullerenite can exist depending on the pressure and temperature conditions under which they are formed. Researchers study fullerenite for its potential applications in organic electronics, such as in solar cells and transistors, due to its ability to accept electrons. The stability and processability of fullerenite are key considerations for its technological use.