Luminescent hollow carbon shells and fullerene-like carbon spheres produced by laser ablation with toluene

Abstract

Hollow carbon shells and fullerene-like carbon spheres are prepared by laser ablation with toluene molecules as a carbon precursor. The liquid carbon precursor is superior to the gaseous carbon precursors conventionally used, such as C₂H₂, due to its safety and ease of handling. The formation mechanism of these carbon nanostructures is discussed. The laser irradiation-induced high temperature results in the decomposition of toluene molecules to carbon atoms. Consequently, these carbon atoms nucleate and grow to novel carbon nanostructures as the temperature drops. The graphene-like hollow carbon shells show strong and excitation wavelength-dependent light emission, which has potential optical applications.