Unraveling the Enigma of Fullerenes in Space

A study from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias has shown that hydrogenated amorphous carbon (HAC) grains can participate in the formation of fullerenes, complex carbon molecules crucial for life development in the universe and potential nanotechnology applications. Spectroscopic analysis of the planetary nebula Tc1 revealed the presence of HAC, suggesting that fullerenes may have formed during the destruction of dust grains by energetic ultraviolet radiation. This interdisciplinary research opens the door for future collaborations between laboratory chemistry and astrophysics to advance our understanding of astrophysical and astrochemical processes.