Fullerenites

Fullerenites are a class of materials characterized by the presence of fullerene molecules incorporated into a host lattice. These materials are not pure fullerenes themselves but rather compounds where fullerenes act as guest molecules within a solid-state structure. The most common fullerene guest molecules are buckyballs, such as C60 and C70. The host lattice can vary, with examples including alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and even other molecular structures.

The properties of fullerenites are highly dependent on the specific fullerene and the host lattice, as well as the stoichiometry of the compound. For instance, alkali-doped fullerenes, such as potassium-doped C60 (KxC60), exhibit superconductivity. The structure of these materials often involves the fullerene cages occupying interstitial sites within the host crystal, or the host atoms intercalating between fullerene layers.

Fullerenites have attracted significant research interest due to their unique electronic, magnetic, and optical properties. Their potential applications span various fields, including superconductivity, catalysis, and advanced materials. The precise arrangement of fullerene molecules and their interaction with the host atoms are crucial for tuning these properties. Researchers continue to explore new combinations of fullerenes and host materials to discover novel fullerenite structures with tailored functionalities.