Fullerene-like boron clusters stabilized by an endohedrally doped iron atom: BnFe with n = 14, 16, 18 and 20†
Abstract
Stabilized fullerene and tubular forms can be produced in boron clusters Bn in small sizes from n ∼ 14 to 20 upon doping by transition metal atoms. B14Fe and B16Fe are stable tubes whereas B18Fe and B20Fe are stable fullerenes. Their formation and stability suggest the use of dopants to induce different growth paths leading to larger cages, fullerenes and tubes of boron.