Fullerene can be used in numerous fields, either directly or as a stock material to synthesize diamond. This project will attempt to convert methane to fullerene. The challenge is to establish an effective pathway of synthesis using a combined pyrolytic and catalytic treatment. Phase I will demonstrate the new synthesis process, which will overcome the defects of prevailing processes. Methane will be used as feedstock material to fabricate fullerene economically and ecologically, with scalability for industrial production.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A manufacturing technology for large-scale production of fullerene, using methane as a raw material, should be both economically and ecologically viable.
