Synthesis of Fullerenes

Busek Co. herein proposes a new fullerene synthesis process which was experimentally demonstrated and involves plasma breakdown of suitable hydrocarbons. The byproduct of the synthesis is hydrogen that can be sold or used on site for fuel cell based electricity production. Thus, two revenue bearing streams, fullerenes and H2 (or electrical power without CO2 emissions) are the product of the proposed process. Approximate cost analysis of the proposed and competing processes were performed and indicated that the plasma based fullerene synthesis could conceivably bring down their production cost to zero because all costs could be covered by the sale of H2 or electricity. In Phase I we propose to begin experimental fullerene yield optimization program (using existing equipment) via parametric variations of three process variables. Alternative fullerene purification process that involves supercritical fluids will also be investigated. The experimental program will be guided by concurrent analysis and the system cost analysis will be refined. Busek Co. will be assisted by SRI International. They currently produce fullerenes and already work with us on our AFOSR and SDI programs to develop a fullerene fueled space propulsion system. In Phase II the system will be scaled up and a prototypical system will be constructed and demonstrated.