Clusters of fullerene molecules and metal atoms

Intensity anomalies in the mass spectra of (C-60)(n), (C-60)M(x) and (C-60)(n)M(x) clusters can be used to identify particularly stable fullerene and fulleride units. Small, n < 147, fullerene clusters appear to have icosahedral symmetry. Multiple layers of alkaline earth metals can be deposited on single C-60 molecules. The first four layers of metal are well described in terms of a periodically reoccurring icosahedral motif. The stability of alkali metal coated C-60, on the other hand, is better described by the completion of shells of electrons rather than shells of atoms. Finally, data are presented for shrink-wrapping fullerenes around alkali halide molecules.