Effect of deuterium on phase transformations in fullerenes at high temperatures and high pressures

The effect deuterium has on phase transformations is studied for amorphous and crystalline fullerenes C₆₀ and C₇₀ at high temperatures of up to 1300°C and high pressures (2–8 GPa). Amorphous fullerene phases are obtained via long grinding in a planetary mill. Structure is studied by means of neutron diffraction. In all cases, amorphous graphite (nanographite) forms in the temperature range of 800–1100°C. This material has different diffraction spectra distinguished by the heights of the halos observed on the graphite diffraction maxima and their relative intensities. These spectra (the structure of nanographite) are affected by preliminary amorphization, the number of carbon atoms in the fullerenes (C60 or C70), and the introduction of deuterium atoms. The different spectra of amorphous (disordered) graphite testify to its varying structure.