Abstract
We show that, with topologically flexible seeds which are allowed to explore different growth modes, graphitic cones are inherently more “designable” than flat graphitic disks. The designability of a structure is the number of seed topologies encoding that structure.
We illustrate designability with a simple model, where graphite grows onto Cn (5≤n≤30) ring seeds. For a wide range of ring sizes, cones are the most likely topological outcome. Results from the model agree well with data from special cone-rich carbon black samples.
The concept of designability allows entropy to be incorporated into the “pentagon road” model of the formation of curved graphitic structures.
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Treacy, M.M.J., Kilian, J. Designability of Graphitic Cones. MRS Online Proceedings Library 675, 261 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-675-W2.6.1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-675-W2.6.1