Fullerenes and carbon structures

A review is given of the current state of research on fullerenes, which are molecules containing 60, 70, 76, 84, etc. carbon atoms arranged on the surface of a sphere or of a spheroid. The structure of fullerenes, the methods for their production, the processes involving them, and the formation of fullerenes in natural gaseous systems are discussed. An analysis is made of the properties of nanotubes and of the methods for generating them. Other carbon compounds resembling fullerenes are considered. The results of the investigations of the behaviour of fullerenes in solutions are given and discussed. The properties of fullerites, which are carbon crystals consisting of fullerenes, and of their compounds are reviewed.