FIRST (Fullertube Interdisciplinary Research Science & Technology)
Our Mission
The Center fosters the inclusion of diverse educational and scientific backgrounds. We seek to engage strategic partners who will perform seminal research into new molecule science, fundamental properties, and application-driven research to benefit society. In serving the global scientific community, the Center will disseminate its new molecules (e.g., fullertubes) by a variety of mechanisms, including (1) collaboration, (2) purchase, (3) subcontract, and (4) joint research grant submissions.
Our Vision
To EDUCATE [Engage, Discover, Unite, Collaborate, Achieve, Transform, and Explore] and to foster collaborative diversity in the pursuit of fullertube science.
Our Discoveries
The FIRST Molecules Center has discovered 17 new molecules since 2020.
Our Electric Arc Fullertube Generator
At FIRST Molecules Center, we utilize an electric arc fullertube generator to synthesize new carbon molecules. We begin with two graphite rods and apply a powerful electric current of about 200 amps between them. This intense heat vaporizes the graphite, transforming the solid carbon into gaseous carbon. The carbon gas then enters a hot plasma region where it starts to condense. As the hot vapors cool down, the carbon atoms rearrange into stable, complex structures such as spherical fullerenes or cylindrical nanotubes. This process allows us to efficiently create new carbon molecules by leveraging high temperatures and the unique properties of carbon in different states.
Our Team
