From PAHs to Solid Carbon

¹ Max-Planck-Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg and Institute of Solid State Physics, Friedrich Schiller University, Helmholtzweg 3, 07743 Jena, Germany
² Astrophysical Institute and University Observatory, Friedrich Schiller University, Schillergässchen 2-3, 07745 Jena, Germany
³ Max-Planck-Institute for Astronomy, Königstuhl 17, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

Abstract

Carbonaceous grains represent a major component of cosmic dust. The review will summarize new results in laboratory investigations of carbonaceous dust components. The nanometer-sized carbon particles are supposed to represent a blend of differently structured carbon including graphitic, diamond-like, fullerene-like and chain-like components on a subnanometer or nanometer scale. Recent models used to explain the structure of gas-phase condensed carbon nano-particles are discussed. Possible formation pathways of carbonaceous grains from molecular components and clusters and the role of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and fullerenes are disclosed.