Ion implantation in fullerenes

Ion implantation of C₆₀ fullerite induces large modifications such as amorphization, polymerization, and doping depending on the implant conditions. The amorphization was found to be correlated with nuclear energy deposition whereas electronic energy loss leads to polymerization. Implantation with alkali metals at elevated temperatures (≈300°C) results in the formation of a buried fulleride layer.