Recent experimental evidence from our lab indicates the existence in nature of a family of fullertube members, e.g., [5,5] C90, [5,5] C100, and [5,5] C120. Mathematically predicted decades ago but not experimentally verified until now, fullertubes represent new structures of soluble, fixed molecular weight, reproducibly synthesized, "bridging" carbon molecules composed of hemispherical fullerene (e.g., C60) endcaps joined together by a single layer of graphene rolled as a nanotube belt. Hence, the question arises, do fullertubes behave as fullerenes or nanotubes or neither? Another great question is, since milligram quantities of C60 were first extracted and isolated from carbon arc soot as early as 1990, why did it take 20 years to finally isolate the [5,5] C90 fullertube in 2010? Why did it take 30 years to isolate pristine and pure [5,5] C100 in 2020, and why did it take 32 years to likewise isolate [5,5] C120 fullertube in 2022? In this oral presentation, I will use the allotted speaker time to address these fascinating questions. I will discuss our new molecule chase as unsolved fullertube mysteries unravel and their secrets revealed. Hint: the 3-decade breakthrough was finally achieved by discovering novel advances in separations to discuss here in "Advances in Separations."

Fullertubes: Solving the mystery of hidden, tubular molecular carbon and its 30-year wait for a "missing" separation method

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