Fullerene-like boron clusters stabilized by an endohedrally doped iron atom: BnFe with n = 14, 16, 18 and 20

Abstract

Stabilized fullerene and tubular forms can be produced in boron clusters B_n in small sizes from n ∼ 14 to 20 upon doping by transition metal atoms. B₁₄Fe and B₁₆Fe are stable tubes whereas B₁₈Fe and B₂₀Fe are stable fullerenes. Their formation and stability suggest the use of dopants to induce different growth paths leading to larger cages, fullerenes and tubes of boron.