fullerenelike

Fullerenelike is an adjective used in materials science to describe particles or molecular clusters that adopt a closed, hollow cage geometry reminiscent of fullerene molecules. True fullerenes are discrete carbon molecules such as C60, but fullerenelike structures can be carbon-based or inorganic and are defined by morphology rather than exact composition.

Common forms include hollow spherical or polyhedral cages with curved surfaces, sometimes called fullerene-like nanoparticles, as well as onion-like structures with concentric shells. These morphologies create a hollow interior and a contiguous outer shell, influencing density, porosity, and surface reactivity.

Synthesis methods include templating (sacrificial cores removed later), chemical vapor deposition, sol-gel processing, and solvothermal or self-assembly routes. Characterization relies on transmission and scanning electron microscopy to confirm hollow cages, and on spectroscopy to determine composition and bonding.

Properties arising from fullerene-like geometry include curved shells that can confer mechanical stability at small scales, high surface area, and tunable porosity. The hollow interior enables encapsulation or selective transport of molecules, with potential effects on catalysis, optics, or energy storage.

Applications span drug delivery and theranostics, catalysis and photocatalysis, energy storage and conversion, sensors, and coatings. The term emphasizes shape and architecture; exact properties depend on the material system and synthesis.