Microscopic insight into the bilateral formation of carbon spirals from a symmetric iron core

Sci Rep. 2013:3:1840. doi: 10.1038/srep01840.

Abstract

Mirrored carbon-spirals have been produced from pressured ferrocene via the bilateral extrusion of the spiral pairs from an iron core. A parametric plot of the surface geometry displays the fractal growth of the conical helix made with the logarithmic spiral. Electron microscopy studies show the core is a crystalline cementite which grows and transforms its shape from spherical to biconical as it extrudes two spiralling carbon arms. In a cross section along the arms we observe graphitic flakes arranged in a herringbone structure, normal to which defects propagate. Local-wave-pattern analysis reveals nanoscale defect patterns of two-fold symmetry around the core. The data suggest that the bilateral growth originates from a globular cementite crystal with molten surfaces and the nano-defects shape emerging hexagonal carbon into a fractal structure. Understanding and knowledge obtained provide a basis for the controlled production of advanced carbon materials with designed geometries.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ferrous Compounds / chemistry*
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Metallocenes
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*

Substances

  • Ferrous Compounds
  • Metallocenes
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Graphite
  • ferrocene